During CES 2015 I picked up a Withings Activité Pop; it hasn’t been off my wrist since. It is the anti-smartwatch, and it doesn’t try to do too much. At the other end of the spectrum is the Samsung Gear S; it tries to do it all, and thanks to Sprint, that even means replacing your smartphone!
This week at NAMM, legendary amplifier company introduced a bunch of great new stuff, including a surprise item – the Orange MusicBoard Interactive Whiteboard. Anyone with kids in school knows about electronic whiteboards, which allow you to project interactive content from a computer onto a screen. The MusicBoard seeks to revolutionize how music theory is taught to students!
Do you know how to tie a knot? Me neither. Well, I know how to make a basic knot, but not the fancy kind. If I did need to know, I’d probably consult a survival reference app or a book. The last place I would check would be a bandana, but that’s the solution Colter Co pitched to us!
Today Google announced the winding down of its Glass Explorer program. As you may know, this is the program where early adopters paid $1,500 for the privilege of looking like a cyborg while wearing experimental Google Glass. Though Google claims Glass is still on track for a consumer version (at some unknown time in the future), project prospects appear dim.
We’ve covered some of Goal Zero’s smaller hand-cranked solar devices, which are great in emergencies, but there are times when you need stronger power generation that can possibly even keep your fridge running! Goal Zero Yeti generators come in multiple sizes, and they can be left plugged in until needed — or they can be recharged from solar when TSHTF!
I wrote about the MOTA Smart Ring (what feels like) ages ago, and I finally got the chance to see one in action and slip it on my finger yesterday. It’s reasonably priced at a pre-order price of $99. What that gets you is notifications from all of your usual apps — messages, email, Facebook, etc.
AltspaceVr is a Google-backed virtual reality startup who is developing a shared virtual reality platform. This platform will give users a chance to share a virtual space and interact together, much like the real world. Users can play games together, watch movies together, or experience anything on the internet together. Currently, AltspaceVR’s platform is in closed beta.
I wear a fitness tracker; not because I’m some athletic superstar, but because I like the constant reinforcement I get by seeing if I’ve reached my goal of 10,000 daily steps. They usually aren’t that fashionable — much less personable — though; that’s where the Mira comes in.
Dan and I both absolutely love our Escort Passport Max radar detectors; he originally reviewed it, and then I wrote a follow-up post about the way I use mine in conjunction with the Smart Cord Live. Now Escort has released the upgraded Passport Max2.
How would you like a visual reminder of everything that you did during the day? I’m talking a record of every place that you went, every person that you ran into, every interaction? To me it sounds like a big boring nightmare, but to you? Well, if it’s your idea of a good time, then you need the Narrative Clip.
Some time ago, I reviewed one of the SoundBase products from ZVOX. I was impressed by the relatively inexpensive device, but I did wish it had integrated Bluetooth and even better sound than it did. Well, the ZVOX SoundBase 670 does have Bluetooth along with bigger and better sound, and I’m a huge fan. Let’s take a look.
True story: a great deal of the gifts I got for family and friends this year came from either Kickstarter or Quirky, and if this keyboard waffle iron had only been available in time, I know exactly who I would have given it to! It wasn’t, but for $60 I’ve backed it, and I’ll be ready for next year!
It can be a lot of pressure to get that perfect diamond ring or jewelry piece right for that special someone, especially around the holidays. Now there is an app for that – The Brilliance.com 3D Printing Diamond Engagement Ring Program uses their own “diamond finder” app to let customers try 3D versions of the final rings/jewelry before final purchase.
If you need a last minute Christmas gift for a do-it-yourselfer, you’ve got to check out Bondic. It’s the world’s first Liquid Plastic Welder. The full system fits in a package the size of a pen case and can quickly and easily fix, bond, and fill anything and cures within four seconds. The Bondic Complete Starter Kit sells for $21.99.
This inflatable, rechargeable solar lantern from Luci by MPOWERD has great durability, easy use, and convenient applications when you’re hiking, fishing, camping, biking, boating, barbecuing, by the pool or anywhere else where you might need some outdoor illumination. Also available in aura, lux, and original models.
It is nothing short of awesome when new technology is used to create traditional religious objects. Case in point, the 3D Printed Kippah that was given to me as a present last night. Members of my congregation saw this Kippah and knew I would love it. I do; it’s cool tech I can wear on Shabbat.
I have tested a few different styluses for my iPad, and none of them have impressed me. I was skeptical as to whether the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline would be any different, but it pleasantly surprised me with it’s features and ease of use. Read on to learn what makes the Bamboo Stylus so different!
In this world of multifunctional devices, the OxyLED T120 desk lamp proves that being a one-trick pony isn’t always such a bad thing. Built for reading purposes and desk work, this lamp can emit cool color light or warm color light and is great for those of us who experience eye fatigue on a frequent basis.
At CES 2014, Judie and I attended a Linkin Park concert. JBL did a special speaker installation in the theater for the night. We stood at those speakers, and boy was it loud; I couldn’t hear properly for the next day. Next CES I’ll protect my ears, and I’ll bring a pair of DUBS Acoustic Filters everywhere I go.
This holiday season, you will be using your phone, tablet, and (shockingly) your camera to take dozens if not hundreds of photos. Some will go up on Facebook or Instagram, but many will sit on the device waiting. Well, with the Epson Expression Photo XP-860 Small-in-One All-in-One Printer the wait is over. Use it to print pictures now and your memoirs later. This printer looks similar to the Epson All-In-One we reviewed last year. It is but the updates Epson packed into this next-generation printer are impressive. That is especially the case with its ability to let you print wirelessly…
I seem to have been on a disaster-prep kick lately, and that’s a good thing considering that unforeseen events can happen at any time. It’s smart to plan ahead, be prepared, and keep gear that can power itself and other devices ready for when it’s needed. The latest tool in my arsenal is the Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight.