All posts by PLUGHITZ Live

myrow: Transforming the Concept 2 rower with connected tech @ CES 2024

January 27, 2024CES 2024, Gadgets, Healthces2024, connected device, gadgets, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

myrow connected rowing myrow is a company that aims to transform the Concept 2 Rowing Machine into a connected fitness device. The CEO and founder, Gary Simpson, came up with the idea during the pandemic when he found himself using the Concept 2 machine more frequently. However, he felt that the machine’s four-inch by four-inch monitor was boring and lacked engagement. He searched for apps that could enhance his rowing experience but found nothing that provided a fully integrated experience like a connected fitness bike.

myrow transforms Concept 2 into connected fitness

Recognizing the need for a more immersive and interactive rowing experience, Simpson decided to build a tablet add-on product for the Concept 2 Rowing Machine. The myrow tablet is a 22-inch tablet that offers all the content and features typically found in a connected fitness machine. By connecting the tablet to the Concept 2 machine’s monitor, users can access a more engaging and intuitive interface. The tablet displays workout data in a meaningful and useful way, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple buttons on the Concept 2 monitor.

One of the key advantages of the myrow tablet is its ability to provide real-time analytics and performance data. This feature is particularly beneficial for rowers who want to improve their technique and track their progress. Rowing is a learned technique that requires proper form and stroke metrics. By following along with instructors and mimicking their movements, users can learn and refine their rowing technique. The tablet provides visual cues, audio instructions, and even form guidance, such as the force curve, to help users optimize their workouts.

Additionally, myrow offers the option for coaches to deliver specific workouts through the Create Your Own Workout Custom Workout feature. Users can also share their workouts with friends, allowing for a collaborative and supportive fitness community. This flexibility in workout options and the ability to share and receive workouts from others adds to the overall versatility and inclusivity of myrow.

Beyond its instructional features, the myrow tablet also offers a range of other options for experienced rowers who prefer non-video workouts. The application includes preset workouts, the ability to create custom workouts, group rowing sessions with friends who also have the tablet, and training plans. This versatility caters to rowers of all skill levels and preferences.

Training virtually with friends

One of the key features of myrow is its ability to facilitate virtual rowing with friends. Through an internet connection, users can row together and see each other’s stats and metrics on the screen. This allows for friendly competition and the ability to set up group rows at any time and date of their choosing. This feature is particularly useful because it enables rowers to continue training year-round, even in adverse weather conditions such as winter with ice. Instead of relying on traditional biometric trackers in a lab setting, myrow provides real-time metric data for each individual person.

Conclusion: myrow enhances the at-home rowing experience

Overall, myrow’s goal is to enhance the Concept 2 Rowing Machine’s capabilities and provide users with a connected fitness experience. By integrating a larger and more interactive tablet, myrow transforms the Concept 2 into a fully immersive and engaging fitness device. Whether users want to follow along with instructors, track their performance data, or simply enjoy a challenging workout, myrow offers a comprehensive solution for rowers of all levels.

As for pricing, the myrow tablet with the mounting arm is priced at $499, and there is a monthly subscription fee of $29.99. At launch, the tablet will offer around 85 video workouts, a couple of hundred preset workouts, and the ability to create custom workouts. myrow plans to expand its video workout library over time.

To sign up for myrow, interested individuals can visit the website and join the mailing list. While orders are not being taken yet, they will be available by the end of February. The release date for the product is dependent on the arrival of the boat from overseas, but the company is confident that they will be able to deliver the product to customers by mid to late April.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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ilume tracks your dog’s activity to prevent overfeeding @ CES 2024

January 27, 2024AI, CES 2024, Healthai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, gadgets, Health, petPLUGHITZ Live

ilume dog tracking and feeding AI-powered dog tracking and feeding is a revolutionary technology that aims to help dog owners better understand and care for their pets. This technology, developed by ilume, utilizes artificial intelligence to track a dog’s movements and accurately determine its caloric expenditure. By doing so, it can provide precise feeding recommendations, ensuring that dogs receive the perfect amount of food each day.

AI-powered dog tracking and feeding

The idea behind this technology stemmed from the founder and CEO of ilume, Craig Silbury’s, passion for dogs and his realization that many dogs are overweight or obese. Silbury recognized that dogs’ daily calorific requirements can vary significantly, even among dogs from the same litter with the same genetics, upbringing, and environment. Some dogs are naturally more active, while others prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. However, overfeeding is a common issue, leading to obesity, which is considered the leading cause of preventable death in dogs.

To address this problem, ilume developed a tracker that can recognize different types of motions, including walking, playing, scratching, and dreaming. By analyzing the intensity and frequency of these motions, the tracker can accurately determine a dog’s caloric expenditure. This information is then used to provide feeding recommendations through an app and an automatic bowl. The bowl is equipped with scales and rings that light up, indicating the precise amount of food needed for each meal. If too much food is added, the bowl will signal the owner to remove the excess.

How the technology works

The tracking fob, which is attached to the dog’s collar, plays a crucial role in collecting data. It recognizes various types of motions and sends this information to the cloud for analysis. By studying the dog’s past behavior patterns, the system can build a comprehensive profile of the dog’s nutritional needs for the day. Additionally, the technology has potential applications beyond tracking and feeding. It can also monitor a dog’s health conditions, such as seizures or diabetes, and provide valuable information to veterinarians for better diagnosis and treatment.

What sets this technology apart is its ability to adapt to a dog’s changing behavior patterns. It takes into account factors such as exercise levels, weather conditions, and the dog’s individual preferences. For example, if a dog typically receives more exercise on weekends, the technology will predict and adjust the feeding recommendations accordingly. Similarly, if it’s raining and the dog is less likely to go for a walk, the system will compensate for the reduced activity level. This ensures that the dog receives the appropriate amount of food each day, promoting a healthy weight and overall well-being.

While the specifics of the AI algorithms and technology used in this system are proprietary, the overall concept holds immense promise for dog owners. AI-powered dog tracking and feeding has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for our pets. By leveraging technology to understand a dog’s individual needs and behavior patterns, this innovation can help prevent obesity, promote overall health, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.

Conclusion: AI makes for a healthier dog

In conclusion, AI-powered dog tracking and feeding is an innovative solution that addresses the issue of overfeeding and obesity in dogs. By accurately tracking a dog’s movements and using AI algorithms to determine its caloric expenditure, this technology provides precise feeding recommendations. The system adapts to a dog’s changing behavior patterns, ensuring that it receives the appropriate amount of food each day. Additionally, the technology can monitor a dog’s health conditions and provide valuable information to veterinarians. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to significantly improve the well-being of dogs and enhance the relationship between dogs and their owners.

The ilume pet tracker is currently available for pre-order. Current pre-orders are going for $300 with a limited number available. To pre-order yours, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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LumosTech: Improving sleep quality by harnessing light @ CES 2024

January 26, 2024CES 2024, Healthces2024, gadgets, mask, red light therapy, sleepPLUGHITZ Live

LumosTech sleep light therapy A new technology has been developed by LumosTech that uses light therapy to help manage an individual’s circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock that dictates when we feel sleepy or awake. Aligning our sleep schedule with this natural rhythm can lead to more restful sleep. Conversely, sleeping outside of these natural rhythms can negatively impact the quality of our sleep.

LumosTech aims to address the challenges faced by individuals who work night shifts. Working a night shift can be brutal, and can be compared to flying to China and back in terms of its impact on the body. To combat this issue, LumosTech has created a night shift module that helps users adjust to their night shift schedule.

Light therapy mask regulates circadian rhythm

The technology behind the light therapy mask is based on research conducted at Stanford University. This research demonstrated that short light flashes can be used to regulate the human circadian clock. The mask uses this light therapy to activate the photosensitive receptors in the eyes, which then send signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain. The SCN is a small region that controls the circadian clock. By stimulating the SCN with light flashes, the mask can effectively change an individual’s circadian rhythm, influencing when they need to sleep or should be sleeping.

Dr. Biquan Luo, CEO of LumosTech, touches upon the impact of natural light on our sleep and mood. She highlights how living in regions with limited sunlight, such as Maine or Seattle, can affect sleep and overall well-being. The mask helps compensate for this lack of natural light by providing light therapy that mimics the effects of sunlight.

Using the LumosTech mask

To personalize the mask’s functionality, users are required to answer a series of questions about their sleep schedules and biological profiles. Based on these answers, the mask can determine the user’s chronotype, whether they are naturally inclined to be early birds or night owls. Depending on the user’s specific needs, the mask offers different modules. For instance, there is a Beat Jetlag module for travelers, a night shift module for healthcare professionals, and a module for individuals experiencing seasonal affective disorder, which exposes them to morning light.

The mask allows users to adjust their bedtime and wake-up time, enabling them to adapt to changing schedules or overcome the effects of jet lag. The podcast host shares their own experience of working overnight shifts and the challenges of adjusting their sleep pattern when transitioning to a daytime shift.

Overall, the light therapy mask offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with sleep issues or disrupted circadian rhythms. By leveraging the power of light to regulate the internal clock, this technology has the potential to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

Conclusion: The power of light can improve sleep

In conclusion, the night shift module developed by LumosTech offers a promising solution for individuals who work night shifts and struggle with disrupted sleep patterns. By using light therapy to regulate the internal clock, the module helps users adjust to their night shift schedule and experience improved sleep quality. With further development and expansion of the module’s capabilities, it has the potential to greatly benefit individuals with various sleep disorders and contribute to overall well-being.

The mask itself is described as incredibly light and comfortable to wear. It is currently only compatible with Apple devices and is priced at $298. The mask comes with a companion app that includes six modules to combat different types of sleep disorders. The company is also continuing to develop new modules to address various sleep issues.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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FlowIt: Transforming HR employee reviews and training @ CES 2024

January 26, 2024AI, CES 2024ai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, hr, internetPLUGHITZ Live

FlowIt HR system FlowIt offers revolutionary B2B SaaS software that is transforming the human resources landscape. This software is designed to enhance people development and minimize attrition costs. It tackles common HR challenges such as annual reviews, surveys, skill management, succession planning, and the integration of learning and management into everyday life.

HR software that reduces attrition

Traditionally, many companies have relied on inefficient methods like paper-pencil processes, Excel files, and Word files to manage personal development. These methods are perceived as inefficient, painful, and disliked by employees and leaders alike. FlowIt recognized the need for timely solutions that are agile, engaging, and integrated into the workflow with minimal effort.

FlowIt’s system aims to make people development fun for users, engaging for leaders, and effective and powerful for the board and HR. By providing a user-friendly interface and streamlining processes, the software frees up time for leaders and HR professionals to focus on tasks they love. It also reduces the cost of attrition by addressing the pain points that often lead to employee turnover.

Simplifying the onboarding process

One specific pain point that FlowIt addresses is the onboarding process. Onboarding new employees involves paperwork, document verification, and ensuring they have the necessary resources and training. FlowIt’s software offers a Learn Management System (LMS) that guides new employees through a comprehensive onboarding journey.

The system includes training, safety protocols, welcome messages from CHROs and COs, and all the necessary resources and links. By providing a structured onboarding experience, FlowIt aims to make new employees feel comfortable and engaged, reducing churn in the first few months.

Employee reviews are no longer a pain

FlowIt’s software also tackles the annual review process, which often poses challenges for both employees and managers. Traditional methods, such as lengthy Word files with numerous questions, often result in employees disliking the process and the discussions being overlooked. FlowIt’s digital system engages all employees, including frontline workers who are often underserved.

The software is designed to be agile, intuitive, and multilingual, ensuring everyone can participate. By capturing ongoing highlights and lowlights throughout the year, the software eliminates the need for employees to recall their achievements from months ago during the annual review. This ongoing process allows for a more accurate and comprehensive review, focusing on tangible actions rather than friction and pain points.

Brag sheet for employee evaluations

One specific feature of FlowIt’s HR software that stands out is the “brag sheet” for employee evaluations. This feature allows supervisors to track and document the accomplishments and achievements of their team members on a quarterly basis. The supervisor provides each employee with a brag sheet, where they can highlight their accomplishments and successes during the quarter. This information is then stored in the employee’s file and used to build their annual evaluation.

The brag sheet serves multiple purposes. First, it allows employees to showcase their achievements and contributions to the organization. This not only boosts their morale and sense of accomplishment but also provides a clear record of their performance over time. Second, it provides supervisors with valuable information when it comes time to make decisions about promotions and career advancement. By having documented evidence of an employee’s accomplishments, supervisors have the ammunition they need to advocate for their team members and ensure that deserving individuals are recognized and rewarded.

Furthermore, the brag sheet feature helps solve the challenge of identifying top performers and differentiating them from underperformers. With a clear record of each employee’s accomplishments, supervisors can easily identify the top workers and make informed decisions about promotions and career development opportunities. This eliminates the need for subjective evaluations and ensures that promotions are based on merit and documented evidence.

FlowIt’s HR software takes the concept of the brag sheet even further by providing a digital platform where all feedback, results, and evaluations are stored and accessible to employees, managers, and HR professionals. The software uses AI to analyze the data and create dashboards that provide valuable insights for proactive decision-making. This includes career plans, recommendations for actions, and even anonymous employee feedback.

Conclusion: A simplified HR experience

Overall, FlowIt‘s HR software is revolutionizing the way companies approach people development and reducing attrition. By addressing pain points, streamlining processes, and providing an engaging and user-friendly experience, the software empowers HR professionals to effectively manage and develop their workforce. With the ability to measure audience engagement, host audio and video content, and provide detailed analytics, software platforms like FlowIt’s offer a comprehensive solution for HR departments seeking to improve employee satisfaction, reduce attrition, and ultimately boost the bottom line.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Dyness keeps you powered during adventures and emergencies @ CES 2024

January 26, 2024CES 2024, Gadgets, Travelcamping, ces2024, emergency, gadgets, portable power, powerPLUGHITZ Live

Dyness portable power station A portable battery pack for camping is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected and powered up while enjoying the great outdoors. During CES 2024, Spencer Thompson from Dyness introduced their E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack, a product specifically designed for camping and other outdoor activities.

Portable battery pack for camping

The Dyness E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack boasts a capacity of 1000 watts, making it suitable for charging a wide range of devices such as laptops, phones, and even small appliances like tiny fridges. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and transport during camping trips. Thompson mentioned that it is a popular choice among campers in Utah, where camping is a common recreational activity.

The E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack stands out from other similar products in the market in a few ways. Firstly, it has a handle that makes it more comfortable and mobile compared to other models. Additionally, as Dyness is the manufacturer, they are able to offer the product at a competitive price point. The retail price for the Dyness battery power pack is around $900.

While the Dyness battery power pack is not designed to power an entire house, it is more than capable of providing enough power for a day or day and a half at a campsite. It can easily charge devices like cell phones and provide lighting without draining the battery too quickly. For those who require more power, Dyness also offers a larger model with a capacity of 1,500 watts.

A variety of power options

One of the standout features of the Dyness battery power pack is its versatile charging options. It includes a 60-watt USB, a normal USB 2.4 amp, and a quick-charge 18-watt port. It also has the ability to power devices using a standard power outlet. This means that you can power just about any device that you have or need, whether it be a small cooking surface while camping or a cell phone during a power outage.

As for charging the power pack itself, it has the capability to be charged through solar input, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for campers who want to harness the power of the sun. It can also charge using a wall socket or a DC plug, like in a car. With these options, you can power the pack off of a vehicle or generator in an emergency, or directly from the sun while out camping.

Conclusion: A powerful battery for outdoor adventures

In conclusion, the Dyness E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack is an excellent choice for campers looking for a reliable and portable power source. With its high capacity, versatile charging options, and competitive pricing, it offers a convenient solution for staying connected and powered up while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it’s charging devices, running small appliances, or providing lighting, the Dyness battery power pack is a valuable companion for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.

For those interested in purchasing the Dyness battery power pack or exploring their full line of products, their website is the place to go. The website showcases their range of portable battery packs and home battery systems, making it easy for customers to find the product that suits their needs.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Y-Brush: A unique toothbrush with a shape to match @ CES 2024

January 25, 2024AI, CES 2024, Healthces2024, gadgets, Health, toothbrushPLUGHITZ Live

Y-Brush automated toothbrush Y-Brush, a novel electric toothbrush, boasts a Y-shaped design that enables it to clean all your teeth at once in a mere 20 seconds. The brainchild of Benjamin, the founder and CEO of Y-Brush, this invention was inspired by his curiosity about why teeth brushing hadn’t been automated like other household chores. His goal was to make teeth brushing more efficient and ensure people brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.

An electric toothbrush with a unique design

The Y-Brush uses ultrasound technology and requires the use of normal toothpaste. It has a built-in timer that alerts you when it’s time to switch to the bottom row of teeth. The toothbrush has nylon bristles that are gentle on the teeth and provide effective cleaning. According to Y-Brush, using this toothbrush has resulted in less plaque and improved angles for brushing.

The toothbrush is already on the market and has received positive customer feedback. It has been available in Europe for a couple of years and recently launched in the US. The Y-Brush even has a rating of 4.2 or 4.3 on Trustpilot and has gained a significant number of users.

The price point for the Y-Brush varies depending on the model, with the featured model costing $99. There are also other models available for $79, and various packs with accessories can be purchased as well.

New Duo Brush coming soon

During CES 2024, it was announced that a new product called the Duo Brush is coming out next month. The Duo Brush is a pack that includes a longer handle and a head brush. The purpose of this new pack is to provide customers with options and allow them to try out both the traditional brush and the head brush.

The reason for including both options in the pack is that the company has noticed that some people are hesitant to switch to the head brush and prefer the more familiar traditional brush. By offering both options in one pack, customers can try them both out and decide which one they prefer.

An effective new approach to brushing

Jad Sassine, the Business Partnership Manager from Y-Brush, who personally uses the toothbrush, initially had doubts about its effectiveness. However, after using it and receiving positive feedback from their dentist, they became a believer in the product. They emphasize that even though the brushing time is significantly reduced to 20 seconds, the results are still impressive.

Conclusion: Y-Brush is a great brushing choice

In conclusion, the Y-Brush is an electric toothbrush with a unique design that allows for simultaneous brushing of all teeth in just 20 seconds. It uses ultrasound technology and has received positive customer feedback for its effectiveness in reducing plaque. The toothbrush is available in different models and price points, and the company has plans to launch new products, including a Universal Head Brush. To purchase your own, you can head to the company’s website or their Amazon store. The website provides further information about the Y-Brush, including its features and benefits.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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BeamO: The future of personal health monitoring unveiled @ CES 2024

January 25, 2024CES 2024, Health, Homeces2024, connected device, gadgets, Health, withingsPLUGHITZ Live

Withings BeamO health monitor Withings has unveiled BeamO, a groundbreaking device that offers a thorough health assessment in just 60 seconds. This innovative gadget is equipped with four distinct sensors, each designed to evaluate different health parameters.

What is BeamO by Withings?

The device’s main objective is to empower users to take control of their health. BeamO synchronizes data to a user-friendly application, allowing individuals to track their health records, log symptoms, and monitor medication adherence. The data can be easily shared with healthcare professionals via PDF or a link, facilitating remote consultations and enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

The versatility of BeamO is important, as it can be used by individuals, families, and those with chronic diseases. The device allows for the creation of multiple profiles, enabling users to track the health of their loved ones and provide longitudinal data to healthcare professionals. This proactive approach to health management aims to detect changes in baseline health and alert doctors to any concerning developments.

The BeamO device is designed to be user-friendly, with the app guiding the different positions for cardiac and lung sounds. This ensures that users can associate their recordings with the correct position, providing doctors with all the necessary information for diagnosis. The device can be used to measure heart sounds on the front of the chest and lung sounds on both the front and back.

BeamO: A revolutionary health checkup device

The first sensor is a one-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) that allows users to measure their heart activity. With an integrated algorithm, BeamO can detect atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. This feature provides users with valuable insights into their cardiac health.

The second sensor is a pulse oximeter, which measures respiratory health. It assesses the efficiency of the lungs in transferring oxygen to the blood. This information can be crucial in monitoring lung function and detecting any potential respiratory issues.

The third sensor is a digital stethoscope, enabling users to listen to their heart and lung sounds. This feature is particularly useful when assisted by a doctor, as they can identify any abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying health conditions. Users can either listen directly with headphones or live stream the sounds to their doctor, enhancing remote diagnostic capabilities.

The final sensor is a contactless temperature sensor. By scanning the forehead, users can obtain their body temperature within a few seconds. This feature is especially relevant in the current global health environment, as monitoring body temperature is a crucial step in identifying potential illnesses.

BeamO versus a fitness watch

One of the initial questions is regarding the difference between BeamO and an Apple Watch. While both devices utilize similar technology for detecting atrial fibrillation, BeamO offers additional features such as the integrated stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and temperature sensor. These features make BeamO an all-in-one health monitoring device, providing a more comprehensive health assessment compared to an Apple Watch.

Another important question revolves around the quality and regulatory approvals of BeamO. Withings are in the process of obtaining FDA approval and a CE mark for the European market. These regulatory steps ensure the device meets safety and efficacy standards. These approvals do not put it on the same level as a medical-grade device but do put it into a category of high-quality home health monitoring.

The BeamO device is being developed with input from doctors to ensure that it meets clinical standards. Doctors are reportedly happy to see a solution that can assist with telemedicine visits and improve the quality of stethoscope auscultation. The teams working on the BeamO device in Paris are striving to make it of clinical-level quality.

Conclusion: BeamO will be a great home health monitor

In conclusion, the BeamO health checkup device by Withings is a revolutionary product that aims to provide users with a comprehensive understanding of their health. By incorporating multiple sensors and a user-friendly application, BeamO empowers individuals to take control of their health and enhance remote diagnostic capabilities.

At this time, BeamO is still in the prototype stage. Withings is awaiting regulatory approvals before launching the device on the market, though is expected to be released in six to eight months and is poised to be another cool product from Withings. The estimated retail price at launch is $250, with no additional monthly fees for the accompanying application.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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ADAM: The digital asset manager for your post-life planning @ CES 2024

January 25, 2024CES 2024, Photography, Videoasset manager, ces2024, gadgets, internet, storagePLUGHITZ Live

ADAM digital asset manager In today’s digital age, we have become increasingly reliant on our smartphones and computers to store and preserve our precious memories, important documents, and personal information. However, have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to all of these digital assets if something were to happen to you? This is where ADAM comes in.

ADAM – Securely pass on digital assets

ADAM, which stands for All-Life Digital Asset Manager, is a revolutionary app developed to address the question of what happens to your digital assets when you die. The CEO, Michael Okoye, explains that if something were to happen to you, all of your photos, videos, passwords, and files stored on your phone would be lost forever if you haven’t shared your password with anyone. This is a common dilemma faced by many individuals who prioritize their privacy and don’t want to grant access to their entire digital lives to others.

To solve this problem, ADAM offers a secure way to pass on your digital assets to the individuals you choose, ensuring that they have access to them when you want them to. The company has patented two key features that make this possible: the executor key and the release timer. When you create an ADAM account, you are given a unique 32-digit alphanumeric executor key. This key is then shared with the person you designate as your executor, granting them access to your account.

However, to prevent unauthorized access while you’re still alive, ADAM has implemented the release timer. If someone tries to enter the executor key into the executor portal while you’re still around, you will be notified. That notification acts as a confirmation of life, and if you respond, their access will be denied. Only after your passing and the predetermined release timer duration has elapsed will your executor gain access to everything in your account.

In terms of pricing, ADAM offers a free version with limitations on the amount of data that can be uploaded, as well as advertisements. For users who require more storage and want to remove ads, there are paid options available. The monthly subscription costs $5.95, while the yearly subscription is priced at $49.99. Additionally, the company offers a lifetime subscription for just $299, which seems like a very reasonable and affordable option for those who want to secure their digital assets for the long term.

Sharing only what you think is relevant after you’re gone

One of the key features of ADAM is that it allows you to manually upload specific photos, passwords, files, and other important digital assets that you want your executor to have access to. This ensures that they don’t have to sift through irrelevant or unimportant content, making their job easier when you’re gone. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with large amounts of data, as it allows you to curate and organize the most critical and personal items for your loved ones.

The significance of ADAM extends beyond personal memories and sentimental items. As Okoye points out, there are often important documents, such as insurance policies or legal papers, stored on our devices that would be crucial for our loved ones to access after our passing. ADAM provides a secure and organized platform for storing and sharing these critical documents, ensuring that they are readily available when needed.

Furthermore, ADAM offers the ability to bulk download all the content stored in the account. This means that once your executor gains access, they can easily download all the digital assets to their phone or computer, providing them with a comprehensive backup of your important files and memories.

Secure cloud storage service

One of the main concerns when it comes to storing data in the cloud is security. As users are likely to store their most important documents and memories on the platform, it is crucial to ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot access this sensitive information.

ADAM uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) for encryption and storage. The company and its employees cannot see anything that users upload onto their ADAM account, and they leave the encryption and security to AWS, a reputable and trusted company that deals with big companies. This ensures that the data is stored at rest encrypted, providing an additional layer of security.

Conclusion: Preserving your memory is easy with ADAM

In conclusion, ADAM is a groundbreaking app that addresses the issue of what happens to our digital assets when we die. By securely passing on our photos, videos, passwords, and files to designated individuals, ADAM ensures that our memories and important documents are preserved and accessible to our loved ones. With features like the executor key, release timer, and the ability to curate specific content, ADAM simplifies the process of transferring digital assets and provides peace of mind for the future.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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BeAware: Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing @ CES 2024

January 24, 2024Accessibility, CES 2024, Healthaccessibility, ces2024, deaf, gadgets, internetPLUGHITZ Live

BeAware Deaf Assistant app The Deaf Assistant app is a revolutionary tool that aims to improve accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Developed by BeAware, this app serves as a personal assistant for deaf people in their everyday lives, providing them with a range of functionalities that enhance their security and ease of communication.

Deaf assistant app for accessibility

Deaf Assistant, developed by BeAware, is a groundbreaking app that offers free accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. The app provides various features and services that aim to improve communication and inclusivity for the deaf community.

The app offers a free version of its services, making it accessible to a wide range of users. BeAware understands that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing already face hurdles in their everyday lives, and the app aims to eliminate any additional barriers by providing free accessibility. This commitment to inclusivity is commendable and reflects the company’s mission to enable people and ensure equal opportunities for all.

In addition to its free accessibility, Deaf Assistant also offers premium features for users who require more extensive services. For example, the app provides API access for enterprise users, allowing them to integrate the app’s transcripts into their own applications. This is particularly useful for developers creating apps for smart glasses or other wearable devices. By utilizing Deaf Assistant’s APIs, developers can easily incorporate speech-to-text capabilities into their applications without the need for extensive technical knowledge.

Transcribing and translating real life

One of the key features of the Deaf Assistant app is its ability to convert any live in-person event into an accessible experience for the deaf within just 15 seconds. This feature, known as Conference Captioning, is particularly useful for events where sign language interpreters may not be available or for older individuals who may not be familiar with sign language.

For example, imagine attending a church service where older individuals struggle to understand and follow what is happening due to their hearing impairment. With the Deaf Assistant app, event organizers can provide live captions for the entire service, ensuring that everyone feels included and connected. This eliminates the need for hearing aids, which may not work effectively in noisy environments or with air interference.

To utilize Conference Captioning, event organizers simply need to wire themselves into the app and provide a unique URL or QR code to the hearing-impaired attendees. These attendees can then either download the app or access the captions directly through the provided URL. The app can be customized with the organizer’s branding colors, creating a seamless and personalized experience.

Additionally, the Deaf Assistant app offers live translation capabilities. This means that events can be made accessible not only to the deaf community but also to individuals who speak different languages. For instance, if an event organizer wants to cater to French-speaking attendees, they can simply provide a link for live captions in French.

People are already loving it

The app was launched in 2021 and has already garnered a significant user base, with over 13,000 users across 50 countries. According to analytics, these users utilize the app at least four times every day, highlighting its immense value and popularity within the deaf community.

The Deaf Assistant app has received recognition and acclaim, being featured by Apple and reaching the number-one spot on Hacker News. Its success can be attributed to its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing the accessibility needs of the deaf community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Deaf Assistant app developed by BeAware is a game-changer in improving accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Its Conference Captioning feature allows for live captions at events, ensuring that the deaf community can actively participate and engage. With its user-friendly interface and live translation capabilities, the app is a valuable tool for enhancing communication and inclusivity. By providing a simple and effective solution, the Deaf Assistant app is revolutionizing accessibility and empowering individuals with hearing impairments to navigate their everyday lives with ease.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Skyted: The Solution for Secure and Private Conversations @ CES 2024

January 24, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Travelces2024, gadgets, gaming, mask, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted security mask During CES 2024, we got to take a look at the latest version of the Skyted mask, which is a sound-absorbing mask that allows users to make completely silent and confidential calls anywhere at any time. The mask has been developed to solve the problem of people talking loudly in public places, such as trains and airplanes, and disturbing those around them.

Silent, secure mask for confidential calls

The mask features resonators developed by The French Aerospace Lab that absorb all frequencies of the user’s voice, preventing any sound from escaping the mask.

The purpose of the mask goes beyond simply preventing disturbance to others. It also addresses concerns about espionage and the need for secure and confidential calls. All data and voice emitted from the mask are encrypted, ensuring that no information is leaked. The encryption process starts from the microphone and continues through third-party carriers, providing a high level of security.

The mask not only provides a solution for confidential calls but also ensures that the user’s location and surroundings are not revealed during the conversation. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to maintain privacy while making calls, such as those on vacation or conducting business in different locations.

In terms of connectivity, the mask can be used with either wired or Bluetooth connections. It offers both a jack and USB-C port for different user preferences. This flexibility allows users to connect the mask to their devices easily.

The Skyted mask is described as a travel-friendly device that can easily be carried in bags. It is noted that the mask is not just another ordinary face mask, but a specialized product with a specific purpose. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the purpose of the mask and its potential benefits.

The target market for the Skyted mask includes frequent travelers, such as business people who spend a lot of time on airplanes and trains. It is also suitable for commuters who want to make calls during their daily travels, saving them time by starting their calls earlier. Additionally, the mask is useful for individuals who want to have private conversations in their vehicles, as it cancels out both their voice and external noise.
In terms of cost and availability, the podcast does not provide specific information. However, it suggests that the mask is targeted at a range of customers, including frequent travelers and commuters. The availability and pricing details would need to be obtained separately.

An upgraded model

This is not the first time we have seen the Skyted mask at CES. In 2023, we were first introduced to Skyted, but the device we saw never made it to market. Since then, the company has redesigned the mask to address feedback from those who saw it in action.

The design of the mask has been slimmed down and the weight has been reduced, making it more comfortable to wear. The technology has also been upgraded to cancel out even low frequencies, which are harder to eliminate.

Conclusion

Overall, the Skyted mask offers a unique solution for individuals who require silent and secure communication. With its sound-absorbing technology and encryption capabilities, it provides a way to have confidential conversations without disturbing others or compromising data security. This innovative product has the potential to revolutionize the way people make calls in public spaces and ensure their privacy and security.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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