All posts by Todd Cochrane

Siloink Ink Cartridge Refill System

CES 2011, Gadgets, ,

I often discount do it yourself cartridge refill systems, one they are messy and two the ink quality is generally not the great. I was introduced to the Siloink refill system at CES 2011 and was very impressed by the ink quality / print quality and low cost to refill cartridges.

With Cartridge refills at about $5.00 a cartridge it is definitively cheaper than even refilling at your local office supply store. This is a great way to save the number of ink cartridges going into the landfill as well. Please pay attention and make sure when you order on their website that you purchase the refillable cartridges as that makes the most sense for consumers. The only thing that is weird is their implementation for high volume printing as their installation requirements will not work for a home owner.

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Independa Smart Reminders for Forgetful Relatives

CES 2011, Health, ,

Todd talks to Kian Saneii, CEO of Independa, a reminder service aimed at care-givers for elderly people, helping them remember to take their medication and to keep appointments, thus keeping them in their own home that little bit longer. Under the overall brand of Smart Reminders, Independa is launching three products, Smart Calendar, Medication Reminder and Life Stories.

The way it works is that the care-givers use Independa’s portal to setup the reminders for the relative, who is then reminded at the right time. Now the smart bit is that the older person doesn’t need to know anything about computers – the reminder is delivered to them by telephone. And to backup the reminder, the person has to confirm that they’ve taken their medication or else a further call is made to them a little later. Depending on the study, around 24% of medications are simply forgotten to be taken.

Life Stories is a little bit different but great idea. The care-giver places a call through the Independa system to their relative and asks him or her a question, like “How did you meet Mom / Dad?” or “What did you do in World War II?”. The ensuing conversation is recorded and can be passed onto the rest of the family. Brilliant.

Available from now, with a six week trial period. Smart Reminders is $19.95 per month for an annual plan and Life Stories is $19.95 for 20 minutes of recording.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Esby Larsen of MrNetcast.com

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Qmadix iPad Case / Keyboard and Accessory Line

Accessories, CES 2011, , ,

Just before Christmas, Qmadix launched this very neat portfolio case for the Apple iPad that includes a slim bluetooth keyboard. The case doubles as a stand and the keyboard can be removed from the portfolio if it’s not going to be used. Comes in a range of colours, too. Available now from Fry’s for a penny under $130.

Also on the video are Qmadix’s Qi-Wear by iHarmonix, stereo bluetooth sunglasses. Not cheap at $279, but look cool.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Sharp 3D Smartphone

CES 2011, Mobile, , ,

Todd gets his hands on Sharp‘s prototype smartphone with built-in 3D camera. It’s a working device which takes still pictures (video wasn’t confirmed) and no news on a potential release date, but 3D is getting everywhere.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Sony Introduces two 3D Consumer Cameras

Cameras, CES 2011, ,

Todd talks with Paul from Sony about the the “first” 3D consumer-level video camera. The HDR-TD10 records double HD at 60 fps with a full pair of optical imaging systems in the one camera. Playback can be either in 3D or 2D, with the camera automatically eliminating one video channel if necessary. Available soon for about $1500.

The Bloggie 3D also puts in a quick appearance on the video, if you’re looking for something cheaper at $250.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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OLED Name Tags

CES 2011, Gadgets,

Looking for a cool way to advertise yourself or your business then a video name tag maybe the perfect thing for you. Using OLED technology name tags are extremely thin only 2mm thick and have a 2.8 inch scratch resistant screen. There is a 180 degree viewing angle and the resolution is 320x 240. They can last from 6-10 hours in continuous play. The device will holder up to 2GB of video. The video is a proprietary format, but it will convert Wave, MPEG, AVI, and Flash video. You can either play a single video or a playlist in a continuous loop, there is a pause and replay button. To switch videos or playlist you simply switch to a new folder. These tags can be found at Video-Name-Tag. The package cost $198 and includes the video name tag, a lanyard, a USB cable/wall charger, a magnetic fastener, a carrying pouch, the conversion software, the instructions, and a reset pin. Video-Name-Tag is backed by The Recon Group and is part of their PowerView products. The Recon Group has been in business for 15 years and is a leader in point of purchase and retail marketing. These tags were a hit at CES 2011 and for a good reason with these tags you can advertise your business or yourself in a new and exciting way for not much cost.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Samsung 950 3d Displays Stunning

CES 2011, TVs, ,

The upcoming Samsung 950 is not only 3D capable, but is also being billed by Samsung as their top-of-the-line 2D display as well. This set will even do 2D to 3D conversion. It has an ultra thin chassis and no bulge in the back because all of the electronic are built into the base. It’s LED display that has the thinness of an OLED panel. It will be available in two versions – a monitor and a combination HDTV and Monitor.

There’s no word yet about when the 950’s will hit the market, but they are saying that will likely be the first half of this year. Of course there is also no price as of yet, but you can almost always expect to pay a handsome price when you buy top-of-the-line gear.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Moneual Silver Care Robot

CES 2011, Health, ,

Targeted at independent living for older people, Moneual‘s Silver Care Robot is an air purifier that moves around the home to clean the air and improve the air quality, much like a Roomba does for dirt. But the robot also monitors the vital signs of an owner who is wearing wristwatch-type monitor. In the event of emergency, the robot can summon assistance via a wireless internet connection.

Built on Microsoft’s Windows 7 with a touch screen, the user can access simple functions such as playing music or making a voip call.

Available later in 2011 for over $8000.

Interview by Carissa O’Brien for Geek News Central.

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Toshiba Windows 7 Tablet

CES 2011, Computers,

Todd casts his eye over Toshiba‘s upcoming Windows 7 tablet, with a larger than usual screen, Atom processor and dual cameras. Being very early to the booth there was no one really available to talk to yet, but as you can see the Toshiba folks appear to be in prototype mode, I am not sure what I think of the overside monitor on this one, but their were tablet designs for every possible utilization.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Galaxy7 Tablet by Samsung

CES 2011, Computers, , ,

Todd covers Samsung‘s Galaxy 7 convertible tablet running Windows 7. The Galaxy 7 has a slide-out and hinged keyboard, converting it from a tablet to a netbook in seconds – you have to see it in action so check the video.

The screen is capable of 16 point multi-touch (how many fingers do these guys have?) weighs in at 1kg (2.2 lb). Available sometime in 2011 and price not disclosed.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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