Friday, October 31, 2014
Gadget Lab Podcast: Google's New Phone Falls to Pieces—On Purpose!
HP's MB Chronowing smartwatch is more watch than gadget
Earlier this year, HP announced a collaboration with fashion designer Michael Bastian for a new smartwatch that would appeal to more than just nerds. Online retailer Gilt will selling the new watch this coming Friday and The Wall Street Journal has gotten a first look at the device.
According to the Journal, the MB Chronowing will be available with leather, rubber, or nylon straps for $349, or with a crocodile strap and sapphire-glass crystal for a heftier $649. Neither version looks like a typical smartwatch - the MB Chronowing wouldn't look out of place in a glass case full of traditional chronometer-style watches. It's 44mm diameter makes it a pretty large watch, and its chunky bezel recalls Tag Hueur more than Dieter Rams Braun.
The watch doesn't have a touchscreen and instead relies on a black and white LCD for notifications. It doesn't track your step count or have a microphone for voice commands. Bastian's approach to a smartwatch seems to be more in line with what Meta Watch is doing with the M1 than what Apple or Google are doing with their platforms. In addition to an LCD display, the MB Chronowing includes a clock dial for reading the time. The battery is said to last up to seven days between charges and the watch will work with both Android and iOS devices.
Image courtesy of The Wall Street Journal
There are two camps in the smartwatch world: the ones that pack many features as possible into a wrist computer, and those that approach the smartwatch from the perspective of a traditional watch maker. Michael Bastian's watch falls firmly in that second camp, so it likely won't appeal to those lusting after a Moto 360 or Apple Watch. But if you want a nice watch that happens to also alert you to new messages or emails, the MB Chronowing could be an appealing choice.
New Cookie Dunking Gadget Is For The Most Serious Of Dunkers
Posted:
Dunking cookies is serious business, and not just in the 'how long should you dunk' way -- of which there have been many tests -- but in the money making way too. While we all know that you can dunk a cookie with your own two fingers, that hasn't stopped the market from flooding with new, easier ways for dunking. First there was the Dipr, which was basically a cookie hook. And now, there's the Dunkin' Buddy.
Dunkin' Buddy is a simple concept that's designed to 'not only save cookies from breaking and getting lost in your cup, but makes multitasking easier,' explains the inventor. Basically, the idea is that you can work and dunk at the same time. Two magnets are used on either side of a glass or mug to support a plastic cookie-holding tray. The cookie soaks without any work from you. While we would normally scoff at the necessity at such a gadget -- because who can't take a 30-second break to dunk a cookie with their own two fingers? -- there's something about the two inventors that makes us ready to order our Dunkin' Buddy right away.
Jason Wells and Kiana Machnicz, the inventors, are serious cookie dunkers themselves. They shared on Good Morning America that they 'both like to dunk chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cookies for about 20 to 30 seconds to where they are soft to eat, but not so soft you can't pick them up without them falling apart in your hand. But Nutter Butter cookies can take well beyond that to soften.' Do you guys hear what we hear? Serious cookie dunking nerdery. It's great.
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The Dunkin' Buddy has far reached its goal in its Kickstarter campaign, probably because it spoke to other cookie-dunking nerds too. It is now in serious production mode. Stay tuned on their website for more information.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Microsoft unveils fitness gadget, health tracking
NEW YORK - Microsoft Corp. is releasing a $199 fitness band that also checks your e-mail and pays for coffee as the software company seeks to challenge Apple Inc. and others in the still-infant market for wearable devices.
The Microsoft Band will work with the company's new Microsoft Health system for consolidating health and fitness data from various gadgets and mobile apps.
Continue reading below
Unlike rival health systems, Microsoft Health will work with competing phones, not just those running Windows.
Thursday's release of Microsoft Band came months before the much-anticipated debut of Apple Watch. Microsoft's gadget, however, appears more focused on fitness tracking and is not meant to be an all-purpose smartwatch.
The Band will offer previews of incoming e-mails and alerts on calendar events, along with weather and other information requested through the company's Cortana virtual assistant. Cortana requires a Windows phone nearby, but other features work with iPhones and Android phones.
The Band will have 10 tracking sensors, more than the typical fitness gadget, to monitor such things as heart rate, UV light, sleep, and distance traveled.
In a partnership with Starbucks, the Band will be able to create barcodes to make retail purchases through stored gift cards.
The Band will serve as a showcase for Microsoft Health, which follows the launch of Apple's HealthKit in September and Google Fit earlier this week.
As more athletes and recreationists monitor and record their fitness activities, a chief frustration has been the inability to bring data from one gadget into an app made by a rival. As a result, nutrition information might reside in one place, while data on calories burned might be in another.
Consolidating data - with users' permission - gives individuals and health professionals a broader picture.
For instance, Microsoft says having information in one place could help gauge whether eating breakfast improves running or whether the number of meetings during the day affects sleep quality.
Microsoft Health marks the company's latest push into mobile and Internet-based services as demand for its traditional software products declines. It's particularly notable in embracing devices running Apple's iOS and Google's Android systems. In the past, Microsoft has been slow in making its services available for non-Windows systems.
''This is another example of the more agnostic approach to platforms being embraced under the leadership of Microsoft's new CEO, Satya Nadella,'' said Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight. ''Two years ago, supporting iOS and Android at launch would have been unthinkable.''
Nonetheless, a third fitness system - with a fourth one possibly coming from Samsung - could create confusion among consumers. Instead of having to visit 12 different apps for their data, they still might need to visit three or four.
Microsoft said tht its Health system will work initially or soon with Jawbone's Up, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, and RunKeeper - in addition to its own Band device.
Gold's Gym will also offer workout plans for the Band.
Microsoft is selling the Band through its physical and online stores.
Separately, Samsung said its latest smartwatch, the Gear S, will be available in the United States next Friday. Unlike most other smartwatches, the Gear S will have its own cellular connection so that it can do more without a phone nearby.
Carriers are charging $300 to $385 for the device, and typically $5 or $10 a month for service.
The rush of the latest gadgets comes to town
Staff Reporter
Gadget aficionados from the city can look forward to a three-day expo that promises a variety of international and domestic gadgets, all under one roof. The first edition of the International Gadget Rush (IGR) will begin Friday at the JRC Convention centre in Jubilee Hills. The IGR will see the participation of 40 companies showcasing their products ranging from cameras to mobile phones and gaming accessories to tablets.
As part of the event, the organisers have also decided to provide a platform for budding gamers and gizmo entrepreneurs. 'To nurture upcoming talent, a special innovation pavilion is being created at the expo where students who have innovated or created gadgets can showcase their talent,' said IGR concept head Varun.
'We have been approached by some colleges to showcase their talent, but we will select the five best innovations and put it up for display.' Mr. Varun is expecting a turnout of about 10,000 visitors.
SVM group chairman T. Vijayender, who is associated with the event, said for the first time in the country, the arcade version of the popular 'Temple Run' game will be launched at the Forum Mall. He said that through a video version, visitors at IGR will be introduced to the game, as well as 'Subway Surfers'.
Unbelievably Cool Gadget Gift Ideas for 2014
No one's is interested in the standby gifts that you've always given (and received) in the past. Ugly neck ties and cologne samplers were the gifts you had to give before tech started to come in at reasonable prices. The Faveble team has compiled a list of awesome gadgets that are sure to impress anyone and there's something for every budget. We've spent time gathering together the coolest gifts for axe-wielding lumberjacks and the geeky coder down the hall. Don't worry; there are ideas for the 'normal' folks too. Featured image above is of the Pebble Steel, one of the most popular smart watch available in the market right now which is compatible with both Android and iOS.
Check out: Take a Break With These Utterly Cool Gadget Gift Ideas for 2014
This Singaporean gadget can kill durian odours in your car
SINGAPORE - Durian lovers and smokers who drive, rejoice. This gadget is designed to break down chemicals that cause foul smells in cars, and not even the King Of Fruits stands a chance against it.
That's the claim of Singaporean entrepreneur Lenz Wong. The Octygen InRush that his company sells is an air purifier that works by destroying the chemicals that produce bad smells, instead of covering them up with perfumes.
The $250 device is a scaled-down version of the commercial plasma ion generators that he has been selling to hotels, hospitals and other buildings for more than a decade.
'If you like durians, it'll take the stench out of the air-con,' says Mr Wong. But the InRush is aimed at a wider group than fans of the spiky, smelly fruit. 'Basically it's for people who want to keep their cars nice and clean inside.'
Older cars whose interiors reek of stale odours, or smokers' cars are other prime candidates for the product. 'It will probably take weeks, but it can get rid of smells that have been there for years,' he says.
The InRush purportedly brings health benefits, too. 'Germs and viruses are organic, in other words based on carbon and hydrogen. Once you break down that chain, you can deactivate viruses and kill germs,' says Mr Wong.
MORE: Why the Singapore-made InRush is a world first
It also produces negative ions, which are associated with feelings of well-being.
Octygen is currently recruiting retailers for the InRush, but the device is available on the company's website to people who want it now. Like someone who's planning durian binge.
Nintendo working on a sleep monitoring gadget
Nintendo's next release could be enough to send you to sleep - though that could be exactly what is intended. 
Earlier this year we heard rumours of Nintendo getting into healthcare as a means to diversify from its troubled WiiU - and now Reuters (by way of Yahoo News) is reporting that the company has partnered with American company ResMed to develop a sleep tracker.
Unlike the likes of Fitbit and other fitness trackers, this won't be a wearable, but something that will sit by your bed. The report says that 'The device will be about the size of a hand and can be placed on a user's bedside table. It will use microwave transmission sensors to track sleep, with the data collected used to help users cultivate healthy sleeping habits.'
Sounds, umm, intriguing. Nintendo is holding its cards close to its chest - we'll let you know when we hear more.
By James O'Malley | October 30th, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
PhotoMath Does Your Math Homework
Kristie Bertucci is an L.A.-based writer, who can't live without her MacBook Pro. When she's not writing, she's either reading or shopping (online, of course) and loves lazy days so she can catch up on her DVR-recorded shows and movies. She's definitely a Mac girl, she loves music and is currently on a mission to to have an insane and enviable iTunes library.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Apple Pay 1M Cards activated in 72 Hours
Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Wall Street journal technology conference announced that in its first 72 hours, Apple Pay activated 1 million credit and debit cards for its new Apple pay service.
It would seem that Apple Pay is breaking the norm for early adoption uptake in the tech world, normally new systems like this are approached with great caution by new users and slowly gain momentum. Apple Pay is up against offerings from Google, among others, alongside traditional payment methods, you know like actual money.
Paying for goods with your smartphone, considering their now commonplace in the western world, is not a bad idea and a bad idea all in one. Given the amount of us that carry them it makes sense they should also be our wallet, but take into account how many of us also lose them well let's hope it comes with some good security features to back it up. Apple has the potential with this momentum to quickly dominate the market with its new product.
Obviously no one does anything for free anymore, so what does Apple get from this? Apple will take a 0.15 percent cut of any transactions, that's 15 pence per £100 spent. Doesn't seem like a lot but if 1 million people spent one pound apple makes 150 grand, if they spend ten pounds that's 1.5million. So you can see the potential if the uptake is good for Apple to make horrendous amounts of money for doing very little. If it's entire smartphone user base starts using it, this could be Apples new big line of income.
See Also: Apple Rumoured to Unite Beats Music with iTunes
The next obstacle Apple have is to get businesses to accept Apple pay in their stores, many places still haven't adopted the contactless payment methods and it may be some time before they do.
Let us know your thoughts by adding a comment below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Facebook Page.
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Tags: Apple, apple pay, Contactless Payment, iPhone
Monday, October 27, 2014
Gadget Report: Posture Shirt Aids Royals Pitcher in the World Series
The Kansas City Royals have been described as the underdogs in this year's World Series against the San Francisco Giants.
But after a stunning performance by Royals pitcher Greg Holland in Game 3 on Saturday, San Jose Mercury News sports columnist Mark Purdy declared that the tables have turned. He credited Holland, the Royals' pitching closer, for providing 'some terrific drama' as three players went directly back to the dugout out on just eight Holland pitches.
Holland has a secret power source: He dons the AlignMed Posture Shirt each time he takes to the mound.
'He won't go to the mound without it,' Holland's doctor, Craig Morgan, told Healthline. 'And he is the number one closer in all of baseball.'
Morgan also works as a consultant for Major League Baseball and is the team doctor for the Blue Rocks of Wilmington, Delaware, the Royals' minor league affiliate.
Holland, like so many professional baseball pitchers, suffers from problems with his scapula, or shoulder blade. 'A thrower by nature will have this problem because they have to throw so violently,' AlignMed founder Bill Schultz said. 'Everyone's career is stopped after all the stuff related to picking up a six-ounce ball and violently throwing it.'
The Royals have purchased close to 100 posture shirts so far, Schultz said. The San Francisco Giants use them, too. Giants pitcher Ryan Vogelsong wore one when he pitched on Saturday night, Schultz said.
Read More: How to Stay Healthy for the Zombie Apocalypse '
The shirt, which can be purchased online for less than $100, builds on an old standby that sports doctors have used for years - skin taping. Taping is used to support an injured body part and restrict unhealthy movements.
Schultz said that while there's 'little to no clinical data' proving that skin taping works, it has ballooned into a multibillion-dollar industry.
AlignMed was born from Schultz's own experience with pain, he said. A medical team treating him suggested that the effect of skin taping could be achieved by wearing certain clothing. 'I had been with the biggest experts in the world who didn't say that to me,' Schultz told Healthline. 'I thought, 'Is this guy a quack?''
3D Body Maps: Explore the Scapula ' An Alternative to Addictive Painkillers
But Schultz said he found relief through clothing. His problem with pain was the result of his poor posture, he said. The AlignMed shirt uses its trademark NeuroBand technology - internal elastic bands, basically - to stimulate muscles and align joints.
Dr. Christian Gonzalez, the incoming president of the American Academy of Pain Management, endorses the AlignMed product line. He said alternative measures to managing pain are desperately needed, not only given the growing problem of opiate addiction, but also because of a lack of access to those medications that has stemmed from efforts to control the epidemic.
Gonzalez said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the nation's largest healthcare insurer, is looking into less invasive and more preventive measures for pain management. 'The AlignMed outfits are the beginning of this trend,' he told Healthline.
Gonzalez said the shirts stimulate muscles, and can cause some muscle fatigue. 'When you wear it you're more relaxed and you don't realize two hours have gone by,' he told Healthline. 'For those with issues of posture, and who slouch, it keeps the shoulders pulled back.'
He said it's not a good idea to wear the shirt for more than a couple of hours at a time, however.
Related News: Heroin In The Suburbs: An American Epidemic '
The AlignMed Posture Shirt, as well as its bra and jacket models, are registered with the FDA as medical devices. Many insurers already pay for them, Schultz said.
When solutions are inexpensive, and patient satisfaction with a product is high, insurers are usually quick to get on board with product reimbursement, Gonzalez said.
Schultz attended a workman's compensation conference in Chicago earlier this week and said his products were well received. These days, most workman's compensation claims come not from hard labor, but from repetitive motion injuries suffered by office workers who use computers, he said.
Read More: 8 Essential Everyday Exercises to Manage Pain '
The shirts can help more than just baseball players and office workers, according to Schultz. They can also help relieve pain for people suffering from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
It is important to maintain good posture so that the spine can adequately distribute pressure, Gonzalez said.
Nine small clinical trials, most of them unpublished, have been conducted to demonstrate AlignMed's effectiveness on everyone from computer users to baseball pitchers to skiers.
Pictured: Elena Grant, Dr. Armia Abdo, and Owen McKibbin. Photos courtesy of AlignMed.
This Gadget Teaches You To Meditate By Reading Your Brain Waves
In our overly-connected world, solitude comes scarce and minds constantly race. Actively shutting down your thoughts through meditation is seldom a common practice. It seems every time you try to take a breather, another task, deadline, event or other obligation creeps up and you're back to the grind. Muse, a headband equipped with electroencephalongraphy (EEG) sensors that read brain activity, encourages you to embrace peace of mind by tracking meditation sessions.Muse's complementary app, Calm, works with the headband to train users to take their brains from an active state to a resting state. The app guides you through preparing the headband, so that sensors all align properly on your forehead, and starting a session. You first get instructed to list random items in your mind, such as book titles and types of fruit. This is to get a picture of what your brain acts like when it is thinking. Then, you are instructed to quiet your thoughts by focusing on counting your breaths. Throughout the sessions's duration, lasting anywhere from three to twelve minutes, you will hear oceanside sounds such as waves and wind that indicate how calm you are. The louder the noise, the more you need to focus. You'll come to realize how difficult it is to relax. Here's an example of an early session-as you can see, there was a lot of work to do. Fortunately, the more you continue focusing, the easier the practice becomes. The most valuable thing you can take away is a habit of meditation. Just three minutes set aside to be completely still each day will leave you feeling refreshed and less stressed.
At $299, the Muse headband does not come cheap. It's worth getting on your radar and wishlists, however, considering the exciting projects its company, InteraXon, has down the pipeline. One includes a beer tap that can pour you a glass by measuring your level of focus. We can see Muse going even further, helping control music, video games and more completely hands-free. Get your Muse headband here.
Top Picks for 2014, Best Gadget Gifts For Geeks
Got that gadget geek among your clients, partners or employees that you want to get a gift for? How about a techie with high end tastes? As technology progresses more and more, gadgets have come on the market and the choices are almost overwhelming.
Below is a list of some of the best gadget gifts for geeks to appease the techies on your list.
Pebble Steel Smartwatch
The newest smartwatch from Pebble, the Pebble Steel, brings style to the brand. Smart Watches are, in general, not known for being the most attractive gadget accessory. But the Pebble Steel certainly is both fashionable and functional. It's marine-grade stainless steel watch case is a step away from the very colorful previous model, adding a more elegant feel.
Another change is the new leather wristband, or optional metal band in stainless steel or black, giving the Pebble Steel a classy finish. With the style upgrade you still get all the functionality expected from Pebble. It comes with Bluetooth 4.0, allows for receiving emails, messages, and texts, lets you access and control music, find and download apps, and more. The Pebble Steel comes with a price tag of $199.
Ryobi Phone Works Tools
Ryobi, a name known for power-tools, has come out with a new Phone Works line that combines measuring tools with smartphone technology. The line includes tools like an inspection scope, laser level, infrared thermometer, stud sensor and more.
What's impressive is how these tools can sync up to your smartphone using a mobile app. This system allows you to capture high definition images and video, create and access project files, add voice notes, share results through email or social media, and even geo-tag locations to organize various projects. Both techies and DIYers may find something to love in this gift. Prices start at $15 from Home Depot.
GoPro Hero 3 White
The GoPro Hero 3 White edition takes action cameras to a new level with a built in WiFi capability. If you have a partner or client who's an active techie, this camera could be a great gift. As befitting an action camera, the Hero 3 is slim and light, weighing 2.6 ounces, so taking it anywhere is convenient.
It features 1080p30 video, 5MP single photos, burst mode up to 3 frames per second, time-lapse mode, and wind noise reduction. It's shockproof so it can take a beating and can be used underwater up to 131 feet. The price is affordable at $199.99. There are new and more expensive models if you really want to go above and beyond, but for the price, the Hero 3 White is an affordable camera to give.
Leather Touch Screen Gloves
Mobile devices make it easier than ever to conduct business anywhere, but the climate isn't always so obliging when temperatures drop. These leather touch screen gloves from TravelSmith make using a device in chilly weather comfortable without sacrificing style.
With inconspicuous conductive fingertips, it's easy to maneuver a touchscreen all the while never exposing your hands to the frigid air. The supple dark brown leather is lined with a Thinsulated tricot to keep hands warm without adding bulkiness. At a price of $59, these elegant leather gloves could be the right gift for the business traveler on your list.
Pocket Sized HDMI Projector
Have a client or partner who often travels or gives spontaneous presentations? This pocket sized HDMI projector from Brookstone may just be the perfect gift. Weighing just 0.5 pounds, it is light and portable, easily going wherever it is needed. It's mega-bright LED lamp goes up to 100 lumens, and can project images up to 1080p HD.
The little projector also has a built in focus wheel and dual speakers with volume control. It's USB rechargeable and lasts up to 2 hours on a single charge. An added bonus is its ability to double as a backup battery for your phone or mobile device. The device is $299 at Amazon.
Chromecast
For a less expensive tech gift that still packs an impressive punch consider a Chromecast. At just $35 it isn't just affordable but also full of fun, useful features. Installation is easy. Just plug it into the HDMI port on your TV and you're done. Now a myriad of mobile apps can be displayed and used right on the big screen.
Conveniently it works with a wide array of devices: Android phones or tablets; iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows laptops; and Chromebooks. It does more than just apps, however. The Chromecast will also mirror what you see on your mobile device on your TV. This allows you to display pictures, websites, or even presentations on the big screen. This feature makes the Chromecast more than just a device for entertainment. It's also useful for business.
Philips Hue Connected Bulb
The Philips Hue Connected Bulb is so much more than just a light bulb. It's a system that allows you to control and customize the lighting in your home from your smartphone. What does that mean? It means that by installing the wireless bridge and downloading the free app, you can control up to 50 Hue bulbs from anywhere in the world. The system allows you to adjust intensity, turn lights off and on, and even change lighting with a variety of color options.
But one of the most unique features is the ability to set alarms. You can program the Hue system to light up your room when it's time to wake-up, light your home while you are away, turn off the lights when you leave the room, etc. By linking the Hue bulbs to data feeds, you can also program them to notify you about everything from important emails to weather changes, and more. Priced at $188.99 for a starter kit from Amazon, the Philips Hue may be expensive, but it certainly has the wow factor.
Top Picks for 2014, Best Gadget Gifts For Geeks
Got that gadget geek among your clients, partners or employees that you want to get a gift for? How about a techie with high end tastes? As technology progresses more and more, gadgets have come on the market and the choices are almost overwhelming.
Below is a list of some of the best gadget gifts for geeks to appease the techies on your list.
Pebble Steel Smartwatch
The newest smartwatch from Pebble, the Pebble Steel, brings style to the brand. Smart Watches are, in general, not known for being the most attractive gadget accessory. But the Pebble Steel certainly is both fashionable and functional. It's marine-grade stainless steel watch case is a step away from the very colorful previous model, adding a more elegant feel.
Another change is the new leather wristband, or optional metal band in stainless steel or black, giving the Pebble Steel a classy finish. With the style upgrade you still get all the functionality expected from Pebble. It comes with Bluetooth 4.0, allows for receiving emails, messages, and texts, lets you access and control music, find and download apps, and more. The Pebble Steel comes with a price tag of $199.
Ryobi Phone Works Tools
Ryobi, a name known for power-tools, has come out with a new Phone Works line that combines measuring tools with smartphone technology. The line includes tools like an inspection scope, laser level, infrared thermometer, stud sensor and more.
What's impressive is how these tools can sync up to your smartphone using a mobile app. This system allows you to capture high definition images and video, create and access project files, add voice notes, share results through email or social media, and even geo-tag locations to organize various projects. Both techies and DIYers may find something to love in this gift. Prices start at $15 from Home Depot.
GoPro Hero 3 White
The GoPro Hero 3 White edition takes action cameras to a new level with a built in WiFi capability. If you have a partner or client who's an active techie, this camera could be a great gift. As befitting an action camera, the Hero 3 is slim and light, weighing 2.6 ounces, so taking it anywhere is convenient.
It features 1080p30 video, 5MP single photos, burst mode up to 3 frames per second, time-lapse mode, and wind noise reduction. It's shockproof so it can take a beating and can be used underwater up to 131 feet. The price is affordable at $199.99. There are new and more expensive models if you really want to go above and beyond, but for the price, the Hero 3 White is an affordable camera to give.
Leather Touch Screen Gloves
Mobile devices make it easier than ever to conduct business anywhere, but the climate isn't always so obliging when temperatures drop. These leather touch screen gloves from TravelSmith make using a device in chilly weather comfortable without sacrificing style.
With inconspicuous conductive fingertips, it's easy to maneuver a touchscreen all the while never exposing your hands to the frigid air. The supple dark brown leather is lined with a Thinsulated tricot to keep hands warm without adding bulkiness. At a price of $59, these elegant leather gloves could be the right gift for the business traveler on your list.
Pocket Sized HDMI Projector
Have a client or partner who often travels or gives spontaneous presentations? This pocket sized HDMI projector from Brookstone may just be the perfect gift. Weighing just 0.5 pounds, it is light and portable, easily going wherever it is needed. It's mega-bright LED lamp goes up to 100 lumens, and can project images up to 1080p HD.
The little projector also has a built in focus wheel and dual speakers with volume control. It's USB rechargeable and lasts up to 2 hours on a single charge. An added bonus is its ability to double as a backup battery for your phone or mobile device. The device is $299 at Amazon.
Chromecast
For a less expensive tech gift that still packs an impressive punch consider a Chromecast. At just $35 it isn't just affordable but also full of fun, useful features. Installation is easy. Just plug it into the HDMI port on your TV and you're done. Now a myriad of mobile apps can be displayed and used right on the big screen.
Conveniently it works with a wide array of devices: Android phones or tablets; iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows laptops; and Chromebooks. It does more than just apps, however. The Chromecast will also mirror what you see on your mobile device on your TV. This allows you to display pictures, websites, or even presentations on the big screen. This feature makes the Chromecast more than just a device for entertainment. It's also useful for business.
Philips Hue Connected Bulb
The Philips Hue Connected Bulb is so much more than just a light bulb. It's a system that allows you to control and customize the lighting in your home from your smartphone. What does that mean? It means that by installing the wireless bridge and downloading the free app, you can control up to 50 Hue bulbs from anywhere in the world. The system allows you to adjust intensity, turn lights off and on, and even change lighting with a variety of color options.
But one of the most unique features is the ability to set alarms. You can program the Hue system to light up your room when it's time to wake-up, light your home while you are away, turn off the lights when you leave the room, etc. By linking the Hue bulbs to data feeds, you can also program them to notify you about everything from important emails to weather changes, and more. Priced at $188.99 for a starter kit from Amazon, the Philips Hue may be expensive, but it certainly has the wow factor.
Plymouth named as tech
PLYMOUTH is the capital of savvy gadget and technology buyers, according to a new survey.
City shoppers spend an average of 60 minutes comparing prices on electrical goods - 16 minutes longer than the national average.
That is according to price comparison website Give as you Live, which commissioned a survey into shopping habits.
Plymouth people also spend longer than most browsing home appliances, travel deals, health and beauty products, toys and DIY good.
In fact, according to the study, the only thing city many people spend less time choosing as shoppers in other areas do is entertainment such as CDs and DVDs.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
BlackBerry's Wearable Gadget In The Offing; New Patent For Unlocking ...
With BlackBerry Passport's demand ascending, the company apparently has footed a new patent to its ever-bulging portfolio list. Apparently, BlackBerry has acquired the patent for unlocking the smartphone without a lock code, when a compatible wearable gadget is at a close proximity.
Reuters/Mark Blinch BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen holds up the unreleased Blackberry Passport device during the company's annual general meeting for shareholders in Waterloo June 19, 2014. BlackBerry Ltd posted a narrower-than-expected loss as the troubled smartphone maker's turnaround efforts started to pay off, raising hopes Chen can deliver on a pledge to return the company to steady profits.
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In hindsight, this particular feature was briefly discussed and demonstrated at Google's I/O 2014 event. Seemingly, this feature could be part of Google devices with the help of Wear. For those uninitiated, Wear is the search giant's operating system designed for smartwatches and other wearable gadgets. So what is the difference between Google's and BlackBerry's features? As it turns out, the difference is that BlackBerry's patent covers the stand-alone gadget with a physical clip, which should be closed in order to let the gadget to function, according to Phone Arena.
This minor detail is important because, the extra manual functioning i.e. closing the clip will make sure the handset is not unlocked unnecessarily, just because the wearable gadget was nearby. The same site points out a situation where the wearable gadget was resting on a nightstand and the smartphone happens to be placed nearby. Without the aforementioned manual intervention, the gadget will automatically unlock and give access to the handset, even though it was not intended. Therefore, the minor detail in this patent makes perfect sense.
However, the patent did not indicate if there is any wearable device at work in BlackBerry's development centre. Recently, the company's CEO also pointed out that BlackBerry fans can expect an unconventional device in the likes of the Passport once every year. Notably, the Passport comes with a unique square design with physical QWERTY keyboard that acts as a trackpad as well. With enterprise/business users still vouching for BlackBerry devices, the company could be looking to move ahead in gaining other users as well. According to reports, BlackBerry has nearly 27 new patents by the USPTO and the aforementioned feature is one of them, says Mobile Syrup.
With all the recent advancements and good news, mainly thanks to the Passport, BlackBerry may be working on a wearable gadget after all. What do you think of a BlackBerry Smartwatch? Feel free to leave a comment.
Also Read
1. Galaxy S5 vs. Galaxy Alpha - Find Out Which Is The Better Handset - [Read]
2. Xiaomi Redmi 1S vs. Sharp Aquos Crystal - Specifications, Features And Price Showdown - [Read]
3. Galaxy Note 4: Best Big-Screen Phone, Says Samsung; Analysts Believe Note 4 Unlikely To Beat 6 Plus [Watch Video] - [Read]
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Seattle Seahawks contain Cam Newton, Carolina's 'gadget' offense again
The Seattle Seahawks know what they're getting when they face Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. And they know how to contain him.
'We know he's a running quarterback,' said Seattle safety Earl Thomas after the Seahawks shut down Newton and the Panthers 13-9 Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. 'You understand what you're going against. They have a gadget offense; there's a lot of window dressing, play-action passes. You've got to be on your toes against him.'
After failing to throw for more than 150 yards in two previous games, Newton had the best statistical day he's had against the Seahawks, completing 12 of 22 passes for 171 yards and running for 24. But the result was the same: another low-scoring loss against last season's Super Bowl champs.
'We just executed our game plan,' said Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. 'The (defensive) line hit him when they could, put pressure on him when they could. He did a good job of avoiding us at times because he's a good quarterback. But we continued to put pressure on him and make plays when they were there.'
Except for a 51-yard pass to rookie Kelvin Benjamin in the fourth quarter, Newton didn't hurt the Seahawks with his arm. His longest run was 8 yards.
'We did a great job scheme-wise to make sure it didn't come easy for them,' said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. 'Sometimes their plays are so easy because there is so much space around the quarterback when he's making his reads. But our guys stayed with it. We kept him under wraps because they couldn't do (much) consistently.'
Carroll paused.
'But we didn't keep (Newton) under wraps,' he said with a laugh. 'He was all over the place.'
Carroll said the Seahawks could have put the game away had they been able to bring down Newton in the end zone for a safety on the first play of the Panthers' last possession.
'He's a monster of athlete to get out of there,' said Carroll. 'I was very, very impressed with his play.'
Your gadget is stolen! Here is how to get it back
We carry expensive gadgets on us all the time now. With the release of a suite of new hot mobile phones and tablets on the market what do you do if you misplace that device, or worse it is stolen? What recourse do you have to get it back, if any? What are the first steps and when and who do you call, or contact, for help, and what can you do to be prepared beforehand to help in getting it back yourself? In this article I will do a quick rundown of types of devices that are most commonly lost or stolen and go over some basic rules of the road beforehand with any new gadget or device you have.
New Gadget? Follow the 'Records Rule'!
The following things you can do for any new gadget or product purchase. Simply: Put it in your personal records that you have multiple copies of in the cloud and at home. This is a simple and easy to-do process for anyone:
Take a few pictures of the device. Keep a visual record, which some insurers will demand. Write down the make and model of the device. It helps to know just what you have so you can claim it later. Write down the serial number and or any other device specific identification numbers such as ETIM, MEID, FSN, and MAC address numbers of the device. These are hardcoded numbers in the hardware for the modem, wireless card, network cards of the gadget. This is important for reporting lost or stolen products as these numbers cannot be changed in most consumer electronics. Keep a copy or scan of the original receipt and store it with the documents as a PDF or as an actual printed copy. Proof of purchase always helps, and if you want to resell later you can hand it over on bill of sale for the new owner and a note showing the transaction. Device specific Rules Tablets, Cell Phones, and Computers.
First, follow the rules above. But if you want to be active in your devices' return there are a couple of tools that can help. Apple iPads and iPhones are known for their 'Find My iPhone' app that was included in the the 2009 update of the MobileMe platform but now supports iPads as well in iCloud. Just remember to have your free iCloud account setup and have ' Find My iPhone ' installed. If you don't have 3G or you have a lost iPod, the app will still work as it uses WiFi SkyHook enabled Geo-Location information. It will even let you lockdown the device from further use and send messages to the person who might have it, and send a loud beeping alarm too to possible comical effect. Examples of this being the first online posted story of lost iPhones found via 'Find My Phone'. The story is of Kevin Miller, then a graduate student University of Texas, and his two friends as they go about tracking Kevin Miller's stolen iPhone into a Puerto Rican neighborhood in Chicago to the very bus stop the guy who pocketed the phone was standing at using. Another being of DailySecret.com founder Nikos Kakavoulis leaving his phone in the bathroom at a Starbucks in Athens, Greece. Nikos asked the barristas if they found it, but no one had turned it in. So going to his computer he used the 'Play Sound' feature to find that a man with his wife and baby still in the store had pocketed it. It took him twice asking after he triggered his phone to play a sound remotely for them to acknowledge their possession of Nikos's phone. But after a second confrontation with alarm going off in the man's pocket Nikos got his phone back.
For users of the Windows Phone platform, Microsoft took a page right from Apple's playbook with their own Find A Lost Phone service. They even have a simple set of instructions on their website.
For Android phone and tablet users, as well as iPhone/iPad users who don't want to use Apple to track their device, there is one of my favorite free and open source projects, The Prey Project. What's even better is it also supports Windows PC, Apple Macintosh, and Linux installed laptops as well with a native application for each.
The Prey project is basically a free, up-to-3-devices clone of Find My iPhone / Find My Mac, but in many ways better. The tiered pro version can even be implemented to track entire enterprise setups of devices. What's even nicer, the app/service can use your phone, tablet, and even your computer, to take pictures of the person using the device. It can also send messages just like Find My iPhone and it too can lock down a device while giving you GPS / WiFi Geo-location directions to where it is located.
Lastly, if you have a stolen or lost cellphone, hotspot, iPad 3G/4G, or cellular supported tablet or notebook, report it to your mobile service provider. The Federal Communications Commission announced back in April 2012 that all four major US cellphone carriers have agreed to deny cell and data service to stolen phones, and give the serial numbers of those phones to a national mobile device database.
Ebook Readers.
The ebook market is full of one-off devices but if your device is not Internet connected you may never see it again - save for a lucky lost and found hunt. The king of the devices though is the Kindle. But the sad fact is unlike some cellphone providers with mobile phones, Amazon wont help you get it back. On Amazon's help page they write the following advice:
Lost or stolen Kindle. First, deregister Kindle via the page. To file a police report, please contact your local police department. You will also want to make sure that you cancel any active Kindle subscriptions on the Manage Your Kindle Subscriptions page . Canceling the subscription will ensure that you are no longer billed; you'll also receive a pro-rated refund for remaining issues you already paid for. You always have the option of subscribing at a later date. I found a Kindle. Please turn the Kindle device in to an appropriate lost and found, or turn it in to the local authorities. If you'd prefer, you can also send the device to be recycled by our certified recycler, Eco International. You can create and print your own prepaid UPS shipping label through Eco International's website. Visit http://ift.tt/1z8jnKf for further instructions.
Those instructions are not very helpful though. It is like they want you to buy a new kindle instead of getting yours back. Again, the best bet is to follow the Keep It In Your Records Rule.
Kindle's serial number is on the outside of the box it came in, a reason to keep the box. The serial number can also be found in the Settings menu on your Kindle. All the MAC address and cellular number information is on that same Settings menu page as well.
Cameras.
As with most modern devices the information about your camera can be found in the about or settings menu. On any other pieces of equipment say lens or flash or other attachment most of the higher end gear will have a serial number somewhere on it as well. One nice thing though is besides reporting it to the police you can also report the lost or stolen device to the original manufacturer. If the camera ever comes in for repair or resale at a pawnshop or used electronics store it can be red flagged and held for further investigation.
ALWAYS CALL POLICE FIRST
If you ever do have a gadget stolen remember to call the police first and report it. You never know what kind of dangers or even possible organized crime might have their hands on your stolen device. In the past police have been slow to act on device theft reports. But in recent cases of public embarrassment of the police, where people had reported the name, address, and personal contact information of the person who had the device, cops have made device thefts a higher priority.
In New York City the NYPD now even trains their police officers on how to use several of the personal tracking software tools used by consumers today. But in the end, you are your best chance of getting your device back is to follow the 'Keep It In Your Records' Rule.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
12 ideal careers for gadget nerds
As a gadget nerd, a certain desire eats away at your heart. It's not necessarily that you need to have the latest and greatest device(s) on the market. Instead, a gadget lover's desire is more about having truly new and fresh experiences.
It's why we modify and alter our smartphones, and outfit them with custom firmware. It's why we find new ways to use our tech, other than what it was intended for. It's why we love our gadgets so much.
Believe it or not, your love of gadgets could land you a pretty sweet job. Sure, it may take a little schooling, but if you apply the same focus and dedication in your future career as you do with your gadgets, you'll be just fine.
To help you out, I've put together a list that includes 12 ideal careers for gadget nerds. Check them out:
1. For the Ultimate Gadget Lover: Tech Reviewer
If you love gadgets and want to tell others all about them, the best career for you lies in technology journalism. You'll need to hone your writing skills if you want to get anywhere, and some of the most renowned gadget publications require experience over credentials.
It will definitely help if you have a degree, but it's not necessary. That said, you most certainly need a firm grasp of the language you wish to write in and you also need a good understanding of common grammar.
2. For the Specs Geek: Electronics Engineer
If you're obsessed with the hardware packed inside your gadgets, you might be suited to a career in electronics engineering. This requires a degree, so you'll need to go back to school if you're interested.
Some of the positions you can land with the right credentials and experience include being a broadcast engineer, electrical engineer, IT consultant, network engineer, systems analyst and even aeronautical engineer.
3. For the Gamer at Heart: Game Designer
If you absolutely love and adore video games, you would fit right in with the countless others in the $7.4 billion software entertainment industry. It's a good idea to get degree in the subject.
There are many fields where you can work including military, health care, television and education. All of these fields require game development for certain jobs within them. You could also become an independent developer and create your own dream game from scratch.
4. For the App Lover: Software Engineering
If you love tinkering with the latest apps or modifying existing software applications, then consider a career in the software engineering field. For most jobs in this career you'll need a degree in computer science. Along the way you'll learn things like simulation and modeling, artificial intelligence, user-interface optimization and more.
There are tons of jobs out there, most of which will have you developing applications and software for a wide variety of fields.
5. For the Programming Geek: Information Technology
The IT field is incredibly vast, and includes jobs from information security and service maintenance all the way to programming and development. You'll need to get some IT training first, but you don't necessarily need a four-year degree to be an IT professional. Some jobs will even fund the required training or pay for the appropriate certifications provided you have the experience to do the job.
6. For the Ultimate Hype Guru: Marketing and Sales
Do you often find yourself dishing out a lot of hype for upcoming products, games or gadgets? A career in marketing and sales would be ideal for you. The field is also expansive and includes market research, customer sales, marketing campaign management and more. A degree is a good place to start, but experience will get you far in this career field.
7. For the Gadget and Computer Fixer: Support Specialist
Computer support specialists provide advice to both people and organizations as it pertains to computer equipment and software. This field also includes help-desk technicians and IT resource professionals who help others with various electronics and gadgets. You do not necessarily need a degree, but you may need to get certified for the related field you wish to work in.
8. For the History Geek: Archivist or Curator
If you love history, a career as an archivist, appraiser or curator might be ideal for you. You'll be working directly with historical documents and goods, and your jobs will range from appraising, to maintaining, to documenting them in full. You will need a degree in order to get your foot in the door, however.
9. For the Crime Geek: Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians help investigate and solve crimes by collecting or analyzing evidence from various gadgets, electronics and more. Most technicians will either work in a laboratory or at the crime scene. You will need the proper certifications and degree in criminal justice.
10. For the Image Geek: Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts and working products in many different fields including Web design, software development, gaming and more. You don't necessarily need a degree in visual and graphic design, but it will help.
11. For the Brain Geek: Psychologist
Are you fascinated by human behavior and mental health? Then your ideal career lies in the field of psychology. Depending on what type of job you take on, you may be working with people directly or you may be conducting research. You will need a degree in psychology, most likely a master's.
12. For the Science Geek: Chemist or Materials Scientist
Chemists and materials scientists conduct research on the structures, compositions, reactions and properties of substances. Expertise is used to create and develop new products or processes.
You may help create a next-generation material used to advance our modern electronics, who knows? This field requires a degree, as well as experience which can often be gained by working as a researcher at your school.
What's your dream gadget job? Tell me in the comments section below.
Image by Viktor Hanacek, qiye and Viktor Hanacek
CGTrader Sets the Challenge: Pimp Your 3D Printable Gadget to Win!
Lithuania-based CGTrader is a design-driven 3D model marketplace serving both computer graphics and 3D printing uses. Artists share and sell designs through this community, and customers can either browse the available designs or commission a custom design for w
Part of the unique offerings on the CGTrader website is a Challenge tab, on which the company posts calls to creativity. In addition to ongoing weekly challenges - in which the designer who increases their reputation score on the site the most wins a prize (this week, it's $25 in CGTrader gift credits) - some longer-term challenges offer more comprehensive goals and bigger prizes. All of the current year's challenges are visible on the tab, and about half a dozen are active at a given time, allowing for a great breadth of options for designers to seek inspiration and challenge their imaginations and their design skills.
The 3D Printed Gadget Accessories Challenge is open through December 8th.
'Think about a box. Do you picture it? Now think out of the box. It's a dead-simple instruction how to become a cool inventor.'
Thus begin the instructions for this intriguing challenge. The 3D Printed Gadget Accessories Challenge is perfect for those designers who thrive on creativity, on seeing everyday objects in unique ways. We all have more gadgets than we do pockets - you name it, smartphones, tablets, cameras, tablets - and CGTrader wants to see some neat accessories for them.
There are rules about what to design and how you can enter, but it's pretty straightforward: all entries must be new, original content, and they have to be awesome accessories that can be 3D printed. Basically? Pimp your gadget via accessory.
CGTrader will judge the contest on three major criteria:
Quality of the 3D printed gadget accessories model Uniqueness, innovation, and general achievement in design of the 3D printed gadget accessories model Clear and attractive presentation of the model
The winner of the Best Model category will be awarded a pretty impressive array of prizes:
Moto Droid Turbo News: New Pictures of the Gadget Emerges Days Before ...
By Virnelli Mercader , Christian Post Contributor
Youtube Screenshot/ fileLess than a week before the Moto Droid Turbo is released, a new photo of the device has been leaked online, courtesy of retired gadget info leaker Evan Blass.
Blass took to Twitter on his account, @evleaks, on Oct. 19 and posted a picture of what appears to be the screen and back of the phone, accompanied by the caption, 'These actually are the Droids you're looking for.'
The Moto Droid Turbo is exclusively developed by Motorola for Verizon Wireless. The device is said to pack in a 3900 mAh battery that will guarantee at least 48 hours of battery life per charge. And because the phone comes with a Motorola Turbo charger, 8 hours of battery life can be obtained within 15 minutes of charging the device, making it one of the most energy saving devices around.
The Droid Turbo will reportedly have 32GB of internal storage, which cannot be expanded due to the absence of a microSD slot. The rear cover will have a layer of Kevlar, which will help protect it from every day wear and tear. It is also water repellent and can withstand rain and spills, though it's not advisable to bring the gadget along when swimming or surfing or when doing any other water sports.
The device will have a screen with a scratch resistant glass measuring 5.2 inches with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. It is expected to have a 21 megapixel camera, front facing speakers, and it will run on the Android 4.4.
Available in Metallic Black and Metallic Red, the Moto Droid Turbo is slated for release on Oct. 28.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
A smart home gadget your parents can use without your help
Mysterious smart home company Leeo is finally pulling back the curtain on its first product: a smoke detector aid.
Unlike, say, Nest's Protect smoke detector or even its thermostat, you don't have to play electrician and start dismounting and rewiring devices to install Leeo's product. You simply plug Leeo's smart smoke detector aid into an electric socket, and you can get to work making your existing alarm smart as soon as you download Leeo's companion iOS app and input a few pieces of info.
While it's in the 'smoke alarm' realm, it is actually using sound detection rather than smoke detection to do its job.
Smoke alarms in the U.S. all have, per federal regulations, the same beeping sound. All regulated smoke alarms beep at the same frequency, volume, and so on. Leeo's device has been trained to recognize that particular sound, and when it hears it, it alerts you (or whomever you've chosen).
Clever, isn't it?
The Smart Alert Nightlight is actually a smoke alarm aid and nightlight combo. Americans buy more nightlights than they do smoke alarms, according to Leeo's team. You can customize the light's color through the app - it offers what seem like an infinite number of color choices.
It also detects temperature and humidity levels, which can be useful when leaving a pet at home alone, for example.
The inspiration behind the smoke alarm companion came after a friend of the founders lost his house in Wisconsin to a fire a couple of years ago. As cofounder and chief executive Adam Gettings told me, their friend had Internet, smoke alarms, and a smartphone, yet his house burned down.
With Leeo, when a fire - or at least smoke - sets off the alarm, Leeo's gadget lets you do a few things. First, it will notify you and call your phone. From there, you can answer the call and listen into your home if you want to check if the alarm is actually going off, for example. The app also gives you the option of contacting your local fire department (even if you're physically elsewhere when this is happening) and notifying the emergency contacts you've put into your app via call, text message, or email.
Of course, Leeo is not the first company in the smart home space making consumer-friendly aids instead of devices that entirely replace others. For example, Emberlight's upcoming lightbulb socket also turns an ordinary home item into a smart one that's connected to the Internet. Belkin's WeMo light switch takes a similar approach as well.
Though the Leeo device doesn't detect other smoke alarm sounds, like the whiny cries of dying batteries, for example, Gettings and cofounder Charles Huang said that it could if it was trained to. Carbon monoxide sensing is also something currently lacking that the company could eventually add.
The Smart Alert Nightline is currently not fit for other countries, not just because it is built only to detect U.S.-standard smoke alarms, but also because other products could be better suited to people's needs in other countries. The U.K., for example, is requiring homes to get smart meters by 2020, so in this case, Leeo could fare better by helping them with that.
Due to its strategic partnership and investment from E.ON, a German holding company that is one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities companies in the world, Leeo is already working on products in 11 countries.
Leeo is also looking at how its device can help homeowners save on insurance and is talking to insurance providers about becoming an official safety device.
You'll be able to order the device from Leeo's website or Amazon in a couple of weeks for $99. For context, Nest's Protect smoke alarm also sells for $99. The device will hit retail shelves in 2015.
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