Archive for the 'Gadget' Category
When my last child was born, Wi-Fi baby monitors had just come onto the scene but were flawed and expensive so I ignored them. In the years since my baby girl has grown into a sweet little cutey pie, baby monitors continue to advance. Now, instead of just doing Wi-Fi for a trick, we have monitors that can connect to our smartphones via a free app download.iZON goes a step further with allowing any iOS device to view the video from the monitor which can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on any flat surface. iZON will even record to a protected YouTube account for you to view if you are unavailable for immediate viewing or for later review.
While the device is $130 and is a bit on the high side of pricing, to have the ability to view on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad and then to have a recording sent to YouTube, this may be a great gadget added to any parents wish list offering some peace of mind when not in the same room of their loved one.
Press Release
Stem Innovation, LLC today announced the iZON Remote Room Monitor, an app-controlled video camera that enables live streaming of audio and video to an Apple iOS device, anywhere in the world. iZON easily joins most wireless networks to provide secure remote monitoring via the free Stem:Connect App for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.
iZON can watch and listen for you, alert you when there is motion or noise and even record to a free, private YouTube account — automatically.
iZON is incredibly easy to setup and use. iZON can be placed on any horizontal surface or mounted to a ceiling. It tilts and swivels easily on its unique magnetic base. Download the free Stem:Connect App, then simply plug iZON in and set it up on your local wireless network. A few simple steps help you to create a secure user account and begin streaming live audio and video. iZON is peace of mind, connecting you to the
most important people, places and things in your life.
“iZON gives our customers an engaging way to stay connected,” says Gary Bart, President and CEO of Stem Innovation. “The combination of its incredible ease of use, automated features and affordable pricing is a game-changer.”
iZON is available today at www.steminnovation.com and in select Best Buy locations. iZON will be available soon at Apple retail stores across the U.S. and Canada. iZON will be arriving at all Target retail locations in early October. The suggested retail price is $129.95.
I have been looking for years for that perfect workout companion for my iPhone and have never really found such the thing. That may have changed with the Scosche myTREK. The myTREK, with the free iPhone app, tracks your works outs, heart beats, miles ran, pace, goals, and yes, it plays your music. Scosche also decided we didn’t need a large bulky chest band and put all its tracking hardware into a wrist band instead that relies on Bluetooth to talk to your iPhone or iPod touch during your work out. And, if you’re an insane person and like to push your body, you get five hours of charge time on the myTREK. A common USB port is all you need to rejuice your myTREK.
Yup, I’m on a trek to find a myTREK.
Press Release
Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announce the availability of the highly anticipated Scosche myTREK pulse monitor and app for iPhone and iPod touch. The Scosche myTREK, an International CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, allows users track their pulse, calories burned, distance, speed, pace, store past workouts and much more.
“At 24 Hour Fitness, we know that fitness tools can be very useful in helping people achieve their goals; whether it’s to lose weight, run a faster marathon or to get healthier,” said Bill Quinn, senior vice president of merchandising, 24 Hour Fitness. “We are excited to be a Scosche launch partner for the new myTREK pulse monitor and offer our members another option to support them with their fitness journey.”
“Scosche has long been the most popular consumer electronics brand sold in 24 Hour Fitness gyms and on their website,” said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President of Scosche Industries. “We were thrilled when they agreed to carry the myTREK pulse monitor in 286 24 Hour Fitness locations across the country.”
After pairing the Scosche myTREK with an iPhone or iPod touch users are prompted to download the free accompanying app. Once the app is downloaded the myTREK is ready to go and users can begin tracking their pulse.
The myTREK utilizes two LEDs combined with a photo sensor to detect minute changes in the user’s blood pressure to accurately measure pulse. A built-in accelerometer allows the myTREK to adjust for movement during exercise from the user’s heartbeat allowing for an extremely accurate measurement of pulse and calories burned.
Users can personalize their workouts by selecting their type of activity, target training zone and type of workout. A male or female voice prompt updates the user’s progress in real time letting them know how close they are to accomplishing their goals or if they have moved outside their desired target heart rate zone.
Work out data is then stored on the device and can be viewed in the app’s calendar to see what days the user worked out and what was accomplished during each individual workout.
The myTREK’s comfortable arm-strap design fits over the muscular portion of the user’s forearm and provides convenient track and volume control. A lithium ion battery provides 5 hours of continuous workout time before the myTREK needs to be charged with the included USB cable. The myTREK ships with small, medium and large sized armbands to ensure the perfect fit.
The Scosche myTREK is available now at Apple retails stores, 24hourfitness.com, 24-Hour Fitness gyms and Scosche.com for $129.99 and is coming to Target, Apple.com and Verizon Wireless stores soon.
BinderPad is a case for your iPad2 that comes with holes for a three ring binder. Slap your cover into the binder securely and walk to class in confidence that your iPad will stay well tucked in. Beats using that flimsy pouch in front or back cover.
For $29.99, this may be a bit pricey for the budget conscious student. But hey, if you can front at least $500 for the iPad 2, maybe $30 isn’t so high after all.
From the Manufacturer
ZooGue has done it again, this new innovative BinderPad Case is like nothing out on the market. The BinderPad is the thinest most convenient iPad 2 pouch to turn any regular 3 ring binder into a BinderPad. Now with more and more schools requiring iPads instead of textbooks, we have taken it upon ourselves to create the first case just for students. Weighing in at only a mere 3.3 oz and a 1/2 an inch think with the iPad inside this Polyester BinderPad Pouch is the perfect addition to any 3 ring binder.
Years later, the iPhone and iPod touch, and such, rule music and much more on that same path I once rode. While the format of the device has changed, the need for easy access and a great mount hasn’t. Bracketron has answered this void with a snazzy weather proof case coupled with a C-Clamp. For only $40, I would jump on this faster than you could ask, “Where your headphones the yellow kind?”
Press Release
Bracketron, the leading manufacturer in mounting solutions for mobile consumer electronics, announces the launch of the All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount, the ultimate mobile device mount for recreational and competitive cyclists. The All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount conveniently positions your mobile device on your bicycle handlebars so you can easily monitor your speed and trip data with your device’s GPS or other cycling apps. The detachable weather-resistant case offers great protection and has a clear screen that allows you to use your device’s touchscreen functions while in the case. The All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount is available now for $39.95 at Bracketron.com and at REI retail stores in July.
“The All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount is part of a new line of sports and recreation accessories from Bracketron that offers true flexibility and functionality,” said Mark Mandel, Executive Vice President of Bracketron. “While our in-car mounts remain hugely popular, we’re excited to continue to expand our offering of mobile mounts and accessories to cater to active consumers who use their smartphones and mobile devices to help track and achieve their fitness goals.”
The All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount is the ideal solution to quickly, easily and securely mount your mobile device on your bike handlebars. The mount does not require tools and sets up in just seconds. It features an adjustable C-clamp with three latch levels that ensure the mount’s tight grip to the bike handlebars. The mount is height adjustable and includes a ball swivel adjustment feature that makes it easy to position your device for optimal viewing. A weather-resistant case snaps onto the mount with a safety lock and can be quickly detached for security purposes when not in use. In addition, water resistant zippers form a tight seal to protect your gadget from the elements. The case includes four protective foam inserts that provide a snug fit for your mobile device when inside, and a clear screen allows you to use your device’s touchscreen while it is in the case. The All-Weather Soft Case Bike Mount is compatible with most handheld mobile devices such as iPhone, iPod, Smartphones and MP3 players.
If you’re looking for a small compact Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad, tablet, or other Bluetooth pairing device, then you may be interested in the iTablet Thumb Keyboard. It’s small size isn’t what makes it unique or the backlit keys for low light conditions, but the fact that HX Global placed a touchpad on other side of where the keys are. The idea is, you can use your index finger to navigate your mouse-based tablet or notebook while using your thumbs to type. While I’ve never been a thumb typer, I know many who are and this may be your ticket. It comes in both black and white. No delay on the white shipping date.
Press Release
HX Global has announced the immediate availability of the itablet Thumb Keyboard, a new Bluetooth keyboard with patented rear-facing touchpad. It is compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth-equipped devices including iPad, iPhone, tablet computers (Android & Windows) and mobile phones.
The itablet Thumb Keyboard is also compatible with many other Bluetooth-enabled devices including the latest interactive IPTV systems providing a convenient way for users to interact with screen content from the comfort of their armchair. In addition, it can be used with commonly used gaming platforms including the Sony PS3 and Nintendo XBox 360.
According to Francis Davis of AHX Global: “The Thumb Keyboard provides a fast and intuitive way to create emails, tweets, texts and documents. It is the perfect antidote to the awkward onscreen keyboards used to enter data and text into today’s mobile devices that do not have proper keyboards.”
The itablet Thumb Keyboard is battery operated and ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold and easy to use at the same time. The patented rear-facing touchpad provides fast and accurate cursor control using either index finger, and the keys are backlit for use in low lighting conditions. The compact size of this new keyboard (5.9 x 3.5 inches) also means that it can fit into a standard tablet carry bag.
This new keyboard is available in black or white versions with US and UK keyboard layouts. Other commonly used keyboard formats will be launched in Q3 2011.
Press Release
Hyperkin, a rapidly growing 3rd party developer of video game peripherals, has announced the upcoming launch of the SupaBoy Handheld Video Game Console designed for SNES game cartridges. Equipped with a 3.5” screen, the SupaBoy is designed to look like one of the original SNES controllers and has a port built into the top that plays original 16-bit SNES cartridges. SupaBoy is supa’ cool!
The SupaBoy will play original SNES cartridges on a built-in 3.5” LCD screen and is designed to emulate an original SNES controller including a D-pad and buttons on the front as well as right and left shoulder buttons. Hyperkin has even included two front loading ports that are compatible with full-size SNES controllers and video/audio out, allowing up to two players to play the SupaBoy on a regular TV screen. How supa’ cool is that!
SupaBoy will be compatible with multiple SNES titles including: Super Mario™ RPG, Starfox™, Super Mario™ World, Donkey Kong™ Country, Zelda™, Noah’s Ark 3D™, Aerobiz™ and others.
“The SupaBoy is by far one of the coolest products we’ve developed,” stated Steven Mar, Hyperkin’s Business Director. “Not only does it look similar to an original SNES controller, it’s also compatible with original SNES cartridges. You can even run it through your TV to play it with a friend!” Mar continued: “The SupaBoy is going to blow people away.”
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
· Innovative lock feature holds game cartridge securely in place
· Two seven-pin ports in front for wired controllers
· SNES controller design
· SNES Super Scope
· Super Multitap
· Mario Paint Mouse
· Screen size (diagonal): 3.5 inches
· 5.5 Hours battery life
· Measures: 8.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches
· Weight: 11.5 ounces
· Stereo sound
· AV Out
· Headphone jack
· Adjustable volume control
· Launch Date: Summer, 2011
· SRP: $79.99
What started off as an April’s Fool joke has turned into a bonifide product from the crazy folks at ThinkGeek. The idea was to place an iPad into a miniature arcade game console and turn the iPad into an actual retro gamers paradise. Well, response was overwhelming and ThinkGeek figured that since they came, we’ll build it. Teaming up with Atari and it’s Greatest Hits package of yesteryear games, ThinkGeek will allow you to play Asteroids, Centipede, and nearly 100 games just like you did in the old days with a five-position joystick and rounded buttons. Now what geek that grew up in the 80s wouldn’t want this for their iPad? Heck, what geek wouldn’t buy an iPad just for this?
I was hot to place the iCADE into my shopping cart until I saw the price. $100. Yikes, for a joystick, a few buttons, and Bluetooth connectivity? Oh ya, the “wood” case and graphics. Dude, that’s a bit too pricey for my taste. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I’d even grab one for half the price. Well, maybe.
I’m curious how well this will sell, especially when that’s a tank of gas to most people today, in this tough economy. Still, it’s a great idea that I hope sticks around so that when I can afford it, I may just get it to relive those glory days in the local arcade.
Several Charging Options
TekCharge MP1860A connects to devices in three ways: to iPad, iPhone, iPod nano or iPod touch using the included Dock Connector/USB cable, or to any compatible device using the USB device cable or an adapter tip.
An Apple Dock Connector to USB cable is included for charging and syncing iPad, iPhone, or iPod, with Mini USB and Micro USB adapter tips included for connection to current models of BlackBerry, HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. The included USB adapter tips can be used to charge Kindle2, Nook, MP3 players, PDAs, portable media players, pocket video cameras, portable routers, GPS, MP3 players, and other 5V devices that use a Micro or Mini USB cable to charge. Additional adapter tips are available from Tekkeon for a nominal fee.
Intelligent Design
Its intelligent design enables TekCharge MP1860A to identify and provide exactly the right output power for the connected device, from less than 100mA to a whopping 2.1A¾the precise output to fast charge iPad.
High-Capacity Rechargeable Battery
TekCharge MP1860A features a high-capacity rechargeable lithium ion battery. Designed the highest degree of safety in mind, it features multi-layer protection circuitry to help prevent over-charging, over-discharging, over-current, or short circuit, and flame-retardant plastics that exceed industry requirements.
Charge Battery and Device Together
To optimize charging time and luggage space, users can leave extra power adapters at home and use a single USB power adapter to charge the battery along with two connected devices overnight.
Battery Capacity at a Glance
A bright, color-coded LED on top of the battery quickly indicates the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery.
Emergency Flashlight
As an added bonus, TekCharge MP1860A includes a flashlight to provide emergency light at a user’s fingertips.
“Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad” Certification
TekCharge MP1860A has been officially certified by Apple Inc. as a “Made for iPod, iPhone, and iPad” product. A certified Apple dock connector to USB cable is included in the TekCharge MP1860A box to ensure 100% compatibility with Apple products.
“While TekCharge MP1860A is certified by Apple for use with iPod, iPhone and iPad, this compact, high-capacity battery is universal to work with hundreds of popular mobile devices, including new tablets that are beginning to hit the market,” says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon, Inc. “And its unusually high 2.1 Amp output is ideal for fast charging most of these devices.”
TekCharge MP1860A includes:
TekCharge MP1860A Dual Port Power Pack
Retractable USB input/output cable (power only)
Dock Connector Cable for connection to iPad, iPhone or iPod (power and data)
myCharger™ USB power adapter
Mini USB adapter tip
Micro USB adapter tip
Adapter tip tote
User guide
The MSRP for TekCharge MP1860A is $69.95. The battery is available through retail and major on-line stores, including 3GStore.com, Adorama, Amazon.com, B&H Photos, CircuitCity.com, CompUSA.com, Newegg.com, and TigerDirect, and from the Tekkeon store at www.tekkeon.com. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Tekkeon offers a complete line of mobile power products for the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other mobile devices. To learn more, please visit http://tekkeon.com.
A “Best in Show” winner at the 2011 Winter NAMM show, FirstMix connects via USB and allows users to DJ using their iTunes or other music library. FirstMix ships with Cross LE DJ software from MixVibes and is also compatible with Traktor, Virtual DJ and Algoriddim’s DJAY and other popular DJ software.
“We took many of the best features from our Gemini professional DJ products and integrated them into FirstMix for anyone who is interested in a fun and easy way to get started in digital DJ,” says Mark Wilder, Vice President of Marketing for GCI Technologies. “FirstMix lets you ‘scratch’ right out of the box and gives you the tools you need to put together a great party mix.”
Other key features include the ability to seamlessly mix songs together, spice up tracks with effects, play music in reverse, adjust bass and treble output and record your set. Priced at $79.95, the FirstMix is the newest addition to Gemini’s Digital DJ Controller line and will be available through musical instrument, electronics, and DJ retailers in May, 2011.
For the latest information on FirstMix and all of Gemini’s DJ gear, visit www.geminidj.com and follow us at facebook.com/TheGeminiDJ and twitter.com/gemini_dj.
Press Release
AltiGen Communications, Inc. (Pinksheets:ATGN) (OTCQX:ATGN), the leading provider of software-based Unified Communications solutions, today introduced the iFusion SmartStation, a revolutionary new docking station for the iPhone, at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco, CA.
Using Bluetooth technology, the iFusion extends a traditional telephone handset and hands-free speakerphone with amazing voice clarity to the iPhone. With the iFusion, you have easy access to a dock connector port for syncing or charging, and an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable, eliminating the need for a separate dock. With support for A2DP Bluetooth streaming, users are able to enjoy their favorite iPhone music over the internal speakerphone.
“This breakthrough device provides the ultimate desktop experience,” said Niel Levonius, AltiGen’s Director of Corporate Strategy. “Offering optimal comfort, convenience and style, the iFusion has been designed to complement the look and feel of Apple products, while meeting the demanding requirements of today’s iPhone users.”
The iFusion offers numerous benefits to home and business users:
- An ergonomic handset and speakerphone provides a traditional desk phone experience
- iPhone dock connector for syncing and charging
- Bluetooth A2DP streaming allows users to enjoy their favorite iPhone music over the internal speakerphone
- Audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable
- Clean industrial engineering designed to compliment Apple products.
“Macworld 2011 is the one place that showcases the creativity, enthusiasm and genius of the Apple developers, as well as the wide variety of new accessories available for Apple users,” said Paul Kent, Vice President and General Manager of Macworld 2011. “We are excited to be a key launch partner for AltiGen’s iFusion docking station, a groundbreaking iPhone accessory for home and business users.”
Pricing & Availability
iFusion will be available in the US in April 2011. Two models, in glossy white and glossy black finishes will be priced at $169.
Preorders will be accepted, beginning January 27th, 2011 at www.thefusionphone.com
Technical Product Information
iFusion includes support for the Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4. Bluetooth 2.1 EDR wireless technologies, Apple Dock Connector, USB 2.0 pass through port for device synching to your Mac/PC, and 3.5mm stereo output for Bluetooth A2DP wireless music streaming.