Category Archives: CES 2015

New Matter MOD-t 3D Printer

February 6, 2015CES 2015geek news

Personally I’m not convinced by the vision of a 3D printer in every home though I’m constantly reminded of IBM’s Thomas Watson and his alleged statement regarding the need for only five computers in the world. New Matter don’t have my doubts and are working hard to produce an affordable 3D printer for the home. Steve Schell brings in some printed objects for Don to admire.

New Matter are building an ecosystem around their new 3D printer, the MOD-t, to make life as easier as possible for owners. No experience of 3D modelling is required, with pre-made models in their online store. Some are free of charge, others cost a fee; it’s up to the designer. All the major 3D model formats are supported so keen owners can create their own designs if desired. It’s a single head printer so only one colour of plastic polymer can be used at a time, though the material can be changed during a print run. If I’m wrong and you want one in your home, the New Matter’s MOD-t 3D printer will be available in the summer for less than $400.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor.

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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.

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Juiceboxx is Here to Save Your Expensive Macbook Power Supply

February 5, 2015CES 2015, ComputersPLUGHITZ Live

Apple fans and haters alike can agree on one thing: the MacBook power block is a disaster. Almost everyone who owns a MacBook, or knows someone with out, has witnessed the untimely death of one of these powerblocks because of fraying or breaking. Luckily, Juiceboxx is here to rescue you!

The product is a cover of sorts for your MacBook power supply, which uses a trumpet design to keep the power cable from bending over sideways in your bag; the most common cause of the problem. In addition, the case gives you the ability to customize your block to match your computer bag, your outfit or your personality.

Estimated to ship in early February, you can preorder your Juiceboxx right now for only $19.99 in one of 6 colors, available for 3 different models. If you have a MacBook, this is a must have for you.

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

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iSet – The Connected Counter for Tennis

February 5, 2015CES 2015, EntertainmentPLUGHITZ Live

Keeping score and tracking stats is one of the least fun parts of playing a sport. If you’re not careful, arguments can break out (we’ve all been there, right?). Luckily, if you play tennis, iSet is the watch to solve that problem.

The watch can pair with another watch, allowing each competitor to track their score and sync up with the other player’s watch. If only one player has the watch, no problem, you can still control the counter yourself for both sides.

In addition to pairing with one another, you can also pair with a phone, allowing you to share your score live with the accompanying app. If you are not at the field, you can follow along remotely with the app on your own phone. Players can use the data to keep track of their stats, comparing scores against the same competitor, on certain dates, etc. Coming later this year, this is the watch for serious tennis enthusiasts.

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

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