I was just thinking the other day how cool it would be to shove my Plex video to my AppleTV that is connected to my projector and the audio to a Bluetooth receiver connected to my Denon AVR-5803 system for optimal sound.  But alas, I couldn’t since the Denon is too old for Bluetooth (even though BT existed upon is release) and there was no accessories to be found to stick into the Denon’s Line In RCA input.  Until today.

New Potato Technologies has welcomed the brilliance of Bluetooth and brought to us the TuneLink Home using the same great technology it has applied to its auto product.  Coupled with the iPhone or Android app, you will be able to do much more than just shove audio to your receiver but also get a universal remote that does not require a dongle or IR blaster. Score!   For these two sweet features alone, you could pay nearly $200 but New Potato is bringing it home for half that cost.  I’m thinking of scoring this myself.  Take a look at the release below.

New Potato Announces TuneLink® Home, Simplicity for Your Connected Lifestyle

Charlottesville, Virginia, 21st August 2012 – Memory and storage specialist Integral has launched Crypto SSD, its first range of solid-state drives (SSDs) to feature military-level, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256-bit hardware encryption. As well as the secure, convenient and low-cost protection of sensitive data, the new drives offer all the benefits of solid-state storage. These include low-power operation, silent running, rapid boot time and, as there are no moving parts, higher reliability and enhanced resistance to shock and vibration.

Protecting sensitive data through encryption is becoming a mandatory requirement for a wide range of organizations as a consequence of both Federal and State legislation requiring the securing of data, particularly medical and financial records. Apart from the significant penalties imposed, the cost of making those affected by such data losses whole again are often many orders of magnitude greater than the penalties themselves. Crypto SSD is a ‘fit and forget’ solution with a low total cost of ownership (TCO) that will allow banks, law firms, educational establishments, healthcare professionals and a variety of other business and governmental bodies (federal, state and local) to meet their data protection obligations.

Developed in the Europe and available in capacities from 32GB to 256GB, the new FIPS 197-validated Crypto SSDs extend Integral’s Crypto brand from its successful range of encrypted USB drives. The high-speed SSDs can be fitted to laptops and desktop PCs in a matter of minutes. As well as quick configuration, Crypto SSD uses full disk encryption (FDE) to offer a higher level of security than software-only encryption. Furthermore, unlike software solutions, all encryption takes place on the drive placing no additional overhead on the processor and, with no requirement for on-going license fees, deliver lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

With Crypto SSD, all of the data on the drive, including the operating system, is 256-bit AES encrypted at system shutdown. The security system is BIOS-independent and a user can only access the disk and initiate Windows® boot-up by entering the correct high-strength 8-16 character alphanumeric password. In the event of a brute force password attack all encrypted data is automatically erased after a pre-set number of failed password attempts. The data and encryption key are securely destroyed and the Crypto SSD is reset. In addition, once encryption has been set, it is not possible to clone the Crypto drive.

Offering a multi-lingual interface that significantly simplifies global deployments, the SSDLock program supplied with Crypto SSD provides an easy-to-use, intuitive interface for system configuration. Using the SSDLock program, the number of failed password attempts that are allowed can be between 6 and 20. Crypto SSD has the option to create both a user password and a master over-ride password. This allows an administrator to unlock the Crypto SSD in the event that the user forgets their password.

Unlike other drives where the disk identifier is factory set by the manufacturer, Crypto SSD, via the SSDLock program, also gives administrators the flexibility to allocate each disk a unique or company-wide identifier. This significantly simplifies the implementation and management of endpoint security solutions in which only certain computers and devices may be allowed on the network, or where administrators want to limit and control certain users’ access to company data and applications.

Barry Webb, Integral’s US President comments: “The reliable protection of data has long been a risk management issue. The cost of having sensitive data fall into the wrongs hands has to be balanced against the cost of implementation and management of the necessary protections to keep the data secure. At Integral, we believe the “fit and forget” of Crypto SSD provides a highly cost effective solution to drive data security. The penalties, together with the recovery cost for even minor data breaches are significant and long lasting, both in terms of actual cost and reputation. These costs vastly out-weigh the implementation and management expense of Crypto SSD. The days of being able to lock a computer away in a drawer in an attempt to secure sensitive data is no longer an adequate defense against liability.”

Crypto SSD provides a simple solution to the problem of unencrypted data with almost no change in user interaction whilst providing the added benefits of a SSD such as greater resistance to physical shock, improved performance and increased battery life.

Developed to be both tamper-proof and rugged, Crypto SSDs feature a design in which all drive electronics are sealed in epoxy resin and then shielded by a metal outer case.

Crypto SSD drives are compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows 7 and are available from stock at Amazon.com and directly from Integral Memory USA. Current prices are $223.34 (32GB), $296.70 (64GB), $403.55 (128GB) and $529.49 (256GB). A two-year warranty is standard for all models.

For more details on Integral Crypto SSD technology click here

San Diego, Calif. – (August 21, 2012) – ECOXGEAR by Grace Digital Inc, a leader in rugged, outdoor and waterproof products for the adventurous lifestyle, is pleased to announce the ECOXPOWER pedal powered headlight and smart phone charger for bicycles. Equipped with a universal mount, ECOXPOWER attaches to most standard and oversized hubs and comes with a handlebar mounted, water-resistant and touch-screen compatible smart phone/GPS case. The ECOXPOWER is available today for $99.99 at www.ECOXGEAR.com and retailers nationwide.

ECOXPOWER features an ultra-bright LED front headlight and red rear taillight that mounts to your bike’s front wheel hub. The included USB adapter cable runs up the front fork and into the handlebar mounted, water-resistant smart phone case. As the front wheel of your bike turns, the ECOXPOWER’s clutch engages between the tire’s spokes, fueling a generator that powers the lighting system, the integrated lithium ion rechargeable battery and the power jack for you smart phone. The smart phone case is touch-screen friendly and accommodates all major GPS devices and smart phone models including iPhone and Android. ECOXPOWER also comes equipped with an on/off remote switch that can be mounted to the handlebars, allowing for full control over the headlight and taillight while on a ride.

“Typical bike lights have a short life expectancy, most of which are only 10-15 hours or even as low as five if on high brightness,” says CEO of ECOXGEAR, Greg Fadul. “Bicyclist either have to routinely buy batteries, remove the light for recharging, or replace their lights completely. ECOXPOWER is self-powered and with the built-in rechargeable battery, extra costs and inconveniences are non-existent. And if you’re using your smart phone for GPS or music on a long ride, you never have to worry about running out of juice.”

ECOXPOWER features include:
• Pedal powered ultra-bright LED front headlight & red rear taillight
• Includes water-resistant touch-screen friendly, easily removable handlebar case with pedal powered USB adapter cable
• Handlebar mounted on/off remote light switch
• Universal hub mounting bracket fits most standard and oversized wheel hubs
• Built-in rechargeable battery keeps your cell phone charged and road bright

Product Page: http://www.ecoxgear.com/ecoxpower/
Price: $99.99
Availability: www.ecoxgear.com

San Diego, Calif. – (August 16, 2012) – Grace Digital’s newest creation, the Matchstick Speaker Dock for Kindle Fire, has been approved for Amazon’s “made for Kindle™” program. The Matchstick becomes Grace Digital’s first speaker dock to be added as an official member. Now shipping, the Matchstick is available on Amazon.com.

Grace Digital’s “made for Kindle” Matchstick is engineered specifically for Amazon’s Kindle Fire. The Matchstick accommodates the unique USB port, headphone jack and power button, all located on the bottom of the tablet. While most universal 3.5mm speaker docks don’t charge devices while in use, the Matchstick speaker dock for Kindle Fire not only charges while on AC power, but the optional (sold separately) lithium-ion battery-pack allows for maximum portability. Precisely sized for the Kindle Fire, the rotating cradle securely holds the 7–inch tablet, while accommodating horizontal and vertical viewing angles.

“After reviewing the quality and interoperability of the Grace Matchstick, we are very pleased that Amazon has selected Grace Digital to be a provider of ‘made for Kindle’ audio solutions”, says Greg Fadul, CEO of Grace Digital Audio. “Early customer feedback is awesome and the Matchstick currently has more than a 4 star rating, which is key to product success on Amazon. We look forward to growing our ‘made for Kindle’ product line to support the current and up and coming Kindle solutions.”

Matchstick Speaker Dock for Kindle Fire features include:

• Rotating cradle sized exclusively for the 7-inch Kindle Fire tablet accommodates horizontal and vertical viewing angles
• Tailors to Amazon’s unique USB port, headphone jack and power button, all located on the bottom of the tablet
• Adds crystal clear stereo sound to video & audio including Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio and Amazon’s audio books
• Charges Kindle Fire while in use, powered by AC power or optional lithium-ion battery pack for ultimate portability (sold separately, available in August 2012)

The Matchstick for Kindle Fire is available now on Amazon.com.

16 August, 2012 SANTA CLARA, CA – Magellan, a leader of innovative GPS devices for vehicles, fitness, outdoor and mobile navigation, today announced a new Fleet Management Protocol tool kit to enable solution providers an interactive navigation and two-way mobile information delivery system plus value-added features for a complete fleet management solution. Magellan will display its fleet management solution at the Great American Trucking Show (Booth #12024) August 23-25 in Dallas.

The Magellan Fleet Management Protocol tool kit enables fleet management system integrators and solution providers to integrate their service with the Magellan® RoadMate® Commercial 5190T-LM and 5190T GPS navigators. The RoadMate GPS devices connect to a Telematics transponder with a specially-designed interface cable and the Magellan Fleet Management Protocol tool kit to provide seamless connectivity between professional drivers and the dispatcher or office monitoring center.

Advantages of using the Magellan Fleet Management solution include text messaging to facilitate sending and receiving messages to and from the driver and the dispatch center or monitoring office. Using the Magellan GPS navigator, drivers and their offices can easily communicate throughout the day about stops and destinations, estimated times of arrival and departure, necessary reporting, and itinerary planning, schedule and status updates.

“It is essential that fleet managers have reliable, instant and direct communications with their drivers to provide job details, make midcourse re-routing and optimize resources so they can ensure on-time deliveries,” said Stig Pedersen, Associate Vice President of Product Management for Magellan. “Integrating the Magellan Fleet Management Solution empowers professional drivers with the solution they need to be more versatile, increase route efficiencies, avoid traffic problems, and reduce fuel consumption.”

The Magellan RoadMate Commercial 5190T-LM and 5190T GPS navigators are specially designed for commercial business to increase efficiency, productivity and safety by providing drivers with a five-inch touch screen display and an extra-clear built-in speaker with an audio level up to 93dB to make it easy to hear voice directions in a noisy commercial vehicle environment. The Magellan RoadMate Commercial 5190T-LM and 5190T GPS also feature Bluetooth® hands-free calling, free Lifetime Traffic Alerts, itineraries for single or multiple stops and daily trips, the most efficient routing, and settings for navigation preferences. Over six million points-of-interest make it easy for drivers to quickly locate fuel stations, food and truck stop services. OneTouch™, a Magellan-exclusive feature, enables drivers to bookmark and assign a button to their favorite destinations or location-based searches for faster access.

Magellan understands the challenges of the fleet management business and has developed the tools that will enable its partners to provide more efficient solutions. Developers and system integrators interested in leveraging the Fleet Management features in the Magellan RoadMate Commercial 5190T-LM and 5190T GPS navigators can download the Magellan Fleet Management Protocol tool kit at www.magellangps.com/FMS.

Charlotte, NC – August 20, 2012 – Verbatim, the global leader in data storage technology including portable hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs, Blu-ray discs and memory cards, announces the availability of Design Mice, a wireless and stylish combination of 2.4 GHz performance, user-friendly shape and artistic design.

Compatible with both Mac and PC, the Design Mice series marries technology and performance with joyful artistic design. Featuring an ergonomic shape that conforms to your hand and a comfort-grip scroll wheel with rubberized side grip to provide precision control, the Design Mice series is graced with an elegant pattern that is highlighted by different color contrasts.

In addition, it utilizes a 2.4 GHz wireless to ensure delayed-free cursor movement and a Nano USB receiver to prevent bulk. To make transporting and storing even easier, the Design Mice has built-in receiver storage that allows the receiver to easily clip onto the mice.

“The Design Mice series gives consumers the option of stepping away from conventional shaped and colored peripherals while still enjoying the ultimate in performance and comfort,” said Ron Hanafin, Verbatim Product Manager, Accessories and Peripherals. “We made the mice practical, stylish and performance driven, making them the perfect solution for all users.”

Available in five distinct colors; burnt orange, purple, red, blue and graphite, the Design Mice are backed with a 1-Year limited Warranty and can be found at Amazon.com for $19.99.

Design Mouse Features
Ergonomically Design available in five colorful and artistic designs
Easy Scroll with Comfort-grip provides ultimate precision
Plug in Nano Slot/Receiver with 2.4 GHz reliability and performance
Mac and PC Compatibility
For more information on Verbatim Design Mice or other mobile accessories and data storage offerings, including images, local retailers, or product samples, contact PR representative Pedro Chen at 305-374-4404 x 139 or PedroChen@maxborgesagency.com.

Los Angeles, CA (August 20, 2012) – MTV Geek! called it “simply a great idea!” when it was first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this past January. Now consumers can see, and hear, for themselves as Boomphones officially launch August 28th, 2012 with their Phantom model – the world’s 1st headphones that can transform into a boombox with the push of a button. Boomphones are now available for pre-order exclusively online at www.boomphones.com.

Boomphones have the portable power and multifunctional appeal to revolutionize the way people listen to, and share music. Designed with four speakers – two on the inside and two on the outside – Boomphones are the ultimate two-in-one audio experience, perfect for traveling, parties, exercising and anything in-between. LED lights show which mode is in action: glowing white when Boomphones are internally amplified, red when the bomb icon is pressed to blast the external speakers in boombox mode.

Two audio cables are included, one with an integrated microphone, volume control and push-to-talk capability. Users can easily make and answer phone calls, listening privately or switching to speakerphone. For those who use their phones to listen to music, there’s no need to switch cables, to talk directly into the phone or to remove the headphones. Turn your Phantoms into a portable amp by plugging into your computer, electric guitar (with adapter), keyboard, beat machine, etc.

Available in Matte Black and Polished White, Boomphones use a built-in lithium battery that’s easily rechargeable through a mini-USB, providing 10 hours internal and 5 hours external use. Boomphones retail for $149.99, will officially launch on August 28th, and will be available online (www.boomphones.com), at Sportie LA and other retail outlets in the coming months.

With a mutual love for music, videogames and gadgets, visionary entrepreneur Ira Strasberg teamed with music industry professional Ohad Einbinder to co-found Boomphones. Strasberg and Einbinder then brought Mike Camello, partner and head of business development for Boomphones, on board from Anderson Merchandisers. Says Strasberg, “With Boomphones, our goal is to change the way people listen to, and share their music. They are a boombox… around your neck!”

Verizon Wireless has decided it will not institute the fee for online or telephone single payments that was announced earlier this week.

The company made the decision in response to customer feedback about the plan, which was designed to improve the efficiency of those transactions. The company continues to encourage customers to take advantage of the numerous simple and convenient payment methods it provides.

“At Verizon, we take great care to listen to our customers. Based on their input, we believe the best path forward is to encourage customers to take advantage of the best and most efficient options, eliminating the need to institute the fee at this time,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.

XtremeMac, a leading designer and manufacturer of accessories and audio solutions for Apple devices, is thrilled to announce four new audio solutions at IFA 2011 (September 2-7, Berlin), a global trade show for consumer electronics – Tango™ Bar, Luna™ Voyager II, Soma™ Stand and Soma™ Travel. All four products feature unique and innovative design and provide rich room-filling stereo sound.

The Tango Bar is a 10 watt amplified speaker, with a single USB connection for both power and audio, that connects to any Mac computer or PC. Featuring a slim and clean design, the Tango Bar is built to fit beneath an iMac or Cinema Display. The six speaker configuration with dual dome tweeters, midrange/bass drivers and passive radiators provide for best in class audio. Additional connections include headphone output, line-in jack and optional sub-out port.

The Luna Voyager II is a low profile, FM dual alarm clock and personal audio system for iPod, iPhone or iPad. The compact, case-friendly dock is enhanced by the free Luna Voyager app allowing users to set dual independent alarms and wake to iPod, iPhone, iPad, FM radio or buzzer. The app also offers FM radio tuner control and multiple channel preset.

The Soma Stand is one of the most innovative docks on the market featuring a “fold n’ go” portable design. The dual ported speaker legs expand for stability and provide a stereo audio experience in 3 easy steps. Compatible with iPod, iPhone and iPad, the Soma Stand features room-filling stereo audio for up to six hours of playtime while on the go. Runs on AC adapter or batteries.

The Soma Travel portable stereo speaker allows the user to “dock and play” an iPod, iPhone or iPad for music anytime/anywhere – no batteries or AC adapter required. The unit is powered by the docked Apple device. The small but mighty dock features big stereo sound, in a compact design with a push-in/push-out case-friendly dock and swing out legs for maximum stability.

The Tango Bar, Luna Voyager II, Soma Stand and Soma Travel will all be available in October at www.XtremeMac.com and other worldwide and regional retailers.

PlayHaven announces today the launch of their real-time marketing platform, built specifically to help developers maximize the success of their mobile games. In an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving landscape, PlayHaven’s new platform enables mobile game developers to effectively market their apps, engage their users, and boost their average revenue per user in real-time. By providing tools that bring the speed and flexibility of the web to mobile game development, PlayHaven empowers developers to build gaming experiences capable of reacting to the lightning-fast pace of the industry.

Much like the way Content Management Systems (CMS) revolutionized website optimization by allowing non-technical business owners to change content on the fly, PlayHaven’s platform gives game developers the ultimate flexibility and control in creating and deploying business ideas in real-time, without the need to submit an update to the App Store.

Dynamic Overlays: PlayHaven’s platform allows for the fast and simple creation of Dynamic Overlays, customizable HTML5 windows that appear above the game, that are a key way for developers to push content and announcements to their users without requiring any change to the underlying game code. Dynamic Overlays can be used for:
Cross-promotion of other games
Announcements of updates and new features
Email capture
Virtual currency/item rewards to increase engagement
Monetization
Analytics and Publishing Dashboard: As retention and monetization are often conflicting goals, PlayHaven’s robust and intuitive web-based dashboard provides mobile game developers with the in-depth analytic and optimization tools to strike the right balance. Developers can create, reprioritize, and swap different Dynamic Overlays with real-time control and tracking.

“As the mobile game industry shifts to the ‘games-as-a-service’ model, the PlayHaven Platform enables developers to break free from the constraints of the traditional software development cycle by enabling real-time business optimization,” says Andy Yang, CEO of PlayHaven. “We’ve torn down the wall between game developer and gamer and will continue to aggressively provide new ways to help our customers better engage and monetize their players.”

The PlayHaven platform is initially available to iOS game developers. More information, including details and pricing can be found at http://www.playhaven.com/.