All posts by PLUGHITZ Live

A 3D Projection that Can Scale to Huge Heights

February 20, 2015CES 2015, Entertainment, VideoPLUGHITZ Live

We often find products at CES that are newsworthy, but it is not often that we find a display technology that is worth talking about. The technology behind the display at the Altec Lansing booth, presented by PM Screen was certainly an exception to that rule. In fact, it was their display that caused us to stop and interview Altec Lansing in the first place.

The display featured 3 of the company’s new Bluetooth speakers being emphasized by fire and water, showing off the speaker’s fireproof and waterproof capabilities. What was interesting about the display, however, is that it was all created with 3D projections.

In addition to the small screen presented at CES, the company’s technology is capable of scaling to large surfaces, too. In fact, they were responsible for a 12 projector setup on the ice hockey rink at the ice hockey world championship opening ceremony, whose video is available on their website. This is a truly interesting technology with wonderful potential. I look forward to seeing the places they find to implement it in the US and abroad.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Businessfriend – A Business-Oriented Social Network with a Purpose

February 20, 2015CES 2015, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

When it comes to the world of social networks, purpose is not necessarily a requirement. LinkedIn is good for finding a job, I guess. Facebook is good for… I’m really not sure what. But, in recent months, that trend is changing. Ello was created to rebel against advertising, but that isn’t exactly a purpose, at least not for the user.

Businessfriend is a social network with a true purpose, though. Created to help people collaborate with their colleagues and favorite brands, Businessfriend offers a number of personal and business-related features missing from any single platform.

For example, their Instant feature is a chat platform that allows you to keep your content private. No message boxes popping up when a new message comes in, making your private business public. There’s also the DigiDex, an organized contact list filled with your direct contacts and the companies you are connected to.

In addition to the unique takes on common features, Businessfriend also offers cloud features. You can share files through the system in a way that is controllable. You can revoke access to files and folders at will, and know that the content has been secured. You can also organize your content into Notebooks, making it easier to find.

It is definitely a platform worth trying out, currently available on web, iOS and Android, with Windows Phone currently in development.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Altec Lansing Creates a Range of Almost Indestructible Bluetooth Speakers

February 20, 2015CES 2015, Entertainment, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

Altec Lansing has long been known for their mid- to high-end audio products, but recently the company has been expanding their product lineup, bringing their brand and quality to consumer products. This year, the company is expanding their lineup of Bluetooth speakers.

The products, mostly known for their “Jacket” branding, are waterproof, shockproof, and in some cases bulletproof, fireproof and bombproof. The product line ranges from $39 to $149 and many are available today.

In addition to physical quality, these speakers also offer Altec Lansing’s well-known sound quality. Even the small speaker, at only $39, sounds great and can still withstand quite a beating.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Zofie Aims to Personalize Your Workout Equipment Quickly and Easily

February 5, 2015CES 2015, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

Keeping to a fitness routine that works can be hard; the only thing harder is starting a new routine. I never know what I should be doing, and know almost nothing about how a particular machine works, or how best to take advantage of it. That is where the Zofie system comes in.

Using fuzzy logic and Kinect sensors, the machines can recognize you and provide a workout based on you. It even takes into account your activities at any given moment, and tailors the experience accordingly. The given example, on a treadmill, the track came move faster or slower, as well as change the incline, based on your heart rate. It can even suggest alterations to your posture if you move too far out of a safe zone.

The technology is currently being implemented in fitness equipment, so expect to see it showing up in a fitness center near you.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Voiceboard Brings Gesture and Intuitive Speech Controls to Presentations

February 5, 2015CES 2015, ComputersPLUGHITZ Live

Being involved with TEDxTampaRiverwalk, one things I can say for sure – controlling a presentation is difficult. Whether it be an inability or unwillingness to know the presentation, fumbling with the buttons on a controller, or needing to move around more than just a slide at a time, presentation software and hardware are not friendly.

Enter Voiceboard, a new way to think about presentations. With Kinect-style voice controls and a ring-powered gesture system, a presenter can focus less on the slides and more on their presentation. You can skip through slides with the wave of a hand or even go to particular slides using your voice. No more hoping the button advanced to the right slide, or peering back over your shoulder to see if you’re in the right place.

If you are a regular presenter, either in a conference room or on a stage, Voiceboard is certainly something to consider adding to your presentation kit. It is available now for $599 and comes with the software, gesture ring and headset for voice control.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Vievu’s Prosumer Wearable Camera, Squared

February 5, 2015Cameras, CES 2015PLUGHITZ Live

Vievu may be known for their wearable first responder cameras, but recently the company discovered that other markets are interested in the same general capabilities, without the need for the security features. That is where their new camera, Viewvu Squared comes in.

Perfect for bus drivers, construction workers, etc., this camera can record video up to 1080p, stream live via Wi-Fi and even transfer the videos directly to a phone, which allows you to share them without needing to plug it into a full computer.

The camera is available now for around $349, or if you need to order in quantity, you can do that directly from Vievu.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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TREWGrip Shows QWERTY Can be Portable

February 5, 2015CES 2015, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

One of the major problems with small, portable keyboards is that creators keep trying to reinvent the keyboard layout. We’ve seen this type of keyboard at Gulf Coast MakerCon, but it will be difficult to convince people to learn a new keyboard paradigm.

TREWGrip has figured out a way to provide small portability, without the need to retrain your brain. A portable Bluetooth, QWERTY keyboard that holds your phone, phablet or mini tablet, this device has split and rotated the keys on a traditional keyboard to allow touch typists to transition quickly, while giving the ability for visual typists to see what they are doing.

Finally, a mobile keyboard for a mobile workforce that works for anyone. Launching this Spring, you can pre-order yours today at Prelaunch.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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SmartSafe Brings Security to Your Wrist

February 5, 2015CES 2015, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

Digital and physical security has become quite a major topic, especially with issues like the Sony Pictures and iCloud hacks. So, how do you ensure security in a time when the rest of the world wants in?

SmartSafe believes they can help with their combination physical and biometric security watch. The watch is activated via biometric scan and can then be used to unlock computers, doors or any other system capable of accepting the watch’s commands.

One of the big problems with physical password keys, such as USB managers, is that once they leave the possession of the owner, the security is breached. With SmartSafe, however, once the watchband is broken, the authorization is broken as well and has to be reauthenticated via biometrics. The watch also ensures that the watch is being worn and the wearer is alive, meaning that you can’t steal the watch through other means.

The watch will hopefully hit the market this year, with a varying pricepoint based on number purchased, as it is not intended directly to consumer.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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Phonotonic – A Strangely Shaped Digital Musical Instrument

February 5, 2015CES 2015, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

At CES, there are a few categories that products fall into, like productivity or wearables. One of my personal favorites, however, is the truly odd and wonderful, which describes Phonotonic. This product is a honeycomb-shaped object that, when paired with a phone, allows you to create music.

With a single item, you are able to create lead. By adding a second item, you can add rhythm. It is all accomplished through motion sensors, like accelerometers, paired with an app that is able to translate those motions into sounds. Softer motions produce softer sounds; harder motions create more intense sounds.

After seeing the product from a distance, I was skeptical. Nicolas Rasamimanana, founder and CEO demonstrated their usage, however, and completely changed my mind. The product is currently available only in France for 80 euros, but will be coming to the rest of the world soon.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

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OIO Brings the Amp to Protect Your Ears and Tablet

February 5, 2015CES 2015, EntertainmentPLUGHITZ Live

If you are concerned about the safety of your tablet and the quality of your audio, then OIO might just have a case for you: the Amp. One part tablet case, two parts Bluetooth speaker, the Amp can turn any room into a party while maintaining stereo audio separation.

The internal battery gives up to 7 hours of playtime, allowing you to work through the day or watch several movies or television episodes. In addition to the speakers, the case includes a stand designed for 2 different angles: a high angle for watching video and a low angle for onscreen typing.

While the case is not available yet, you can pre-order now.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.