Category Archives: CES 2017

Best and Most Affordable Cases Ever for Your Devices



Catalyst CaseActive lifestyles and mobile devices don’t really go together. But none of us want to leave our tech behind while we are out enjoying our favorite activities. When we bring them with us, it’s stressful to find a good safe place to keep, not to mention the fact that we want to be able to text, take pictures and engage in social media while we’re out having fun.

There are some shock and water resistant cases out there but they tend to be bulky and you can’t always hear your calls and content very well. Enter Catalyst Cases. The owners/creators have very adventurous lives and they ran into the same problems as the rest of us while trying to protect their mobile phones, watches and tablets. So they set out to design cases that would fit perfectly into their adventures and they achieved just that.

Catalyst cases can now boast to be the finest all around 360° protection for your devices. They offer total protection in a simple, yet rugged design. They are slim and lightweight with basic color schemes. The backs are clear to showcase the design of the device itself. The phone cases are waterproof to 33 feet and the watch cases are waterproof to 133 feet. They have also been military tested drop proof to 6.6 feet. So you’re free to go enjoy the activities that you love and stay connected at the same time.

They didn’t stop with designing with the look, feel and toughness of these cases. They also engineered them for great sound. Because what good is a phone that you can’t hear through? The cases are designed with airtight waterproof acoustic membranes that use True Sound Acoustics technology for the best possible sound clearly. As for ease of use, you have full access to all of the buttons, sensors, cameras, flash and the Touch ID.

The Catalyst cases are available for iPhone 6 models and up, as well as for the Apple Watch, the iPad Pro and Mini 4. One of the best features is that the prices are very reasonable and start at just 59.99. Pick one out for yourself at Amazon.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
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Killer Keyboards Make Your Tablets Incredibly Useful



COMPANY LOGOIn recent years, tablets have been integrated into most of our daily lives. Some people use them for watching movies, some people use them to keep up with their social media antics, and some people even use them for selfies. However, there are some people, like myself, who have a tablet specifically to be a workstation; using it for media is just a convenient bonus.

What is not convenient though, is the keyboard market for these tablets. Most of them claim to turn your tablet into a laptop or aim towards turning your system into a workstation. Honestly, this market has been sorely lacking. Most keyboards designed for tablets don’t seem to be designed for the device itself.

Brydge aims to change all of that. Their Bluetooth iPad keyboard has been on the market for a bit and is seeing revisions this year, but at CES 2017, Brydge was pleased to show off their new model designed for the Surface Pro 3 & Pro 4 systems.

Brydge 12.3 won the Innovation Award for CES 2017, and for good reason. First, the keyboard is designed specifically for the system. Just like the Brydge 7.9 and 9.7 (designed for the iPad mini and iPad Pro respectively), when attached to the Surface Pro, it truly converts your tablet into a laptop. The connections are secure so you don’t have to worry about the system slipping off of the keyboard, and the brackets that secure the system onto the keyboard are very stiff, in a good way! This allows you to tilt the screen at any degree you desire. You can even fold the pair beyond 180°. What sets this model apart from the iPad keyboards is it also comes with a touchpad on the keyboard.

Here’s the most exciting feature of this device: for the Surface Keyboard, there is a model that offers added storage to your device. 128GB of high speed SSD storage to be exact. The keyboard is also rechargeable and each charge can last up to 3 months.

Brydge is also currently building a partnership with OtterBox to create full-body protection for the system while docked on the keyboard. In true OtterBox form, the design is both attractive and protective. For now, cases are only available at for the iPad 2 and iPad Pro 9.7.

Due to arrive in the Spring, Brydge is offering “>$20 off of pre-orders for Surface Pro 3 & Pro 4. For iPad users, Brydge has a plethora of keyboards for every iPad model that are currently available.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


From Podcaster to Professional, Neat Mic is as Sweet as Honey



Neat MicrophonesOne of our most favorite stops at CES every year is at the Gibson Brands booth. This year, while rocking out to the live music on stage, we got a chance to catch up with Aljon and learn more about the line of Neat Microphones. It really doesn’t get any better than this!

We started off the lineup with the Beehive. This CES Innovation Award Winner is a headphone amplifier that is designed to improve your overall listening experience for both music and recordings. It features tube integration, solid state bass and we love the nifty industrial design.

In the microphone line, we start off with the King Bee. This mic is all about reproduction with its large-condenser diaphragm design. It’s perfect for situations where you need low noise and high sensitivity and is great for vocals and most all instruments. The large gold diaphragm ensures that the output equals the input. Next we have the Worker Bee. This medium-sized diaphragm microphone and Class A discrete electronics are suited for high sound pressure levels with a wide frequency and dynamic range. It’s perfect for recording big sound like live recordings, guitar amps, brass and drums while at the same time still retains a level of detail that brings out the vocal nuances and subtleties of string instruments. Both mics come with a perfectly placed honeycomb pop filter as well as a shock mount.

There is also a series of USB, plug-and-play, podcaster mics that deliver great quality sound. With three models to choose from, you’ll be able to pick out the one that is perfect for you. The Bumble Bee is a great basic model with a built in stand. It gives you the ability to control what you want to pop out, has headphone output and it’s great for basic podcasting and Skype calls. Then we have the Bee Caster, which is great for the professional podcaster or narrator. It has four separate capsules so you can capture mono, stereo, wide stereo and focused stereo. Other features include fully integrated headphone monitoring with volume control, mic gain control, adjustable boom arm, built in pop filter and much more.

Next is the fun and whimsical line of podcaster mics that are known as Widgets. These simple mics have internally shock mounted capsules and offer fantastic sound. They are designed for that spunky podcaster who is looking for something that stands out and are also great for things like YouTube videos.

All of these products are available now and pricing ranges from $99 to $249. Check them out, as well as available accessories at Amazon.

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

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTVf…


So Lost In Love with Music at Gibson



Gibson GuitarsGibson is known for their prestige quality and innovation. They are constantly trying to impress their customers with the newest high quality sounding equipment that will set them aside from the rest. In the past year, Gibson has noticed that vintage guitars have a noticeably more comfortable feel and higher sound quality so they have teamed up with science to provide a 2017 guitar line up that focuses on new age vintage hollow body electric guitars.

Many players find themselves obsessed with the jazz guitars but might be focusing on something newer. The Electric Spanish (ES) 275 Jazz Guitar has the look of a classic, older jazz guitar but is integrated with a smaller, more compact design. This guitar plays beautifully clean jazz chords with clarity but still fits the modern player’s needs. The next guitar in the line is the ES 335. The 375 has a visual flare from its modern style finish and is destined to be played by the flashier guitar player that wants to stand out on stage. They also have the Vintage Style 375 that is modeled after the 1958 style with aged hardware and body binding and a thicker neck design.

Gibson takes pride in their new Premier line this year, too. This exclusive line of guitars is special because Gibson takes out a portion of the building process to bake the center block of maple wood to age the wood into what a vintage guitar should be. This process transforms the guitar into a lighter body with a more resonant sound.

Learn more about these guitars and find the guitar that speaks to you at Gibson’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Monster Digital Brings Your Adventures to Life



Monster DigitalMonster Digital is coming out with a new line of action sports cameras that will certainly meet your needs. Whether you are a beginner photographer or a professional, Monster Digital can help you out. This line includes 4 HD cameras: the Vison HD 720p, Vision HD Plus 1080p, Vision 360, and the Vision VR.

If you’re an adventurer that likes to document the action along the way, you need to look at the Vision and the Vision Plus to help you do just that. The Vision 720p is a camera made for the new, casual photographers that want to photograph everything from a hike through the mountains to a family get together. The next step up would be the Vision Plus 1080p made to turn you into a professional with better shots. Both sports cameras come bundled with absolutely everything you need like a micro SD card, waterproof case, battery, charger, and all the mounts you could ever want. This bundle includes 15 accessories that are included in the price.

Some people crave the 360 experience and Monster Digital covers that, too. The Vision 360 is a 360º action sport camera that can take your experiences from 2D pictures to 360 horizontal by 220 degrees vertical masterpiece. The last camera in the line can bring the picture to life using a real virtual reality. The Vision VR is a camera that can record your adventures and can allow you to truly relive them in a new and exciting way! Just record what you want and use Digital Monster’s exclusive app to download the content to your phone. From there you can attach your phone to a Monster Vision VR Headset.

Find the right Monster Digital camera for you. The Vision HD is $79.99, Vision HD Plus is $129.99, Vision 360 is $149.99, and the Vision VR is $249.99. Get the Monster Vision VR Headset for $39.99 and the Monster Vision Headset with Integrated Headphones for $99.99.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


The Power of Pure Rock & Roll in the Best Style



Meters Music by Ashdown EngineeringOne of our most favorite things to do at CES is meet really interesting people from all over the world, and especially when they are well connected in the entertainment industry (check out Shavo in the video). We got to do just that with British audio company, Meters Music.

Their new line of headphones by are the latest creation from Ashdown Engineering. For the last 20 years they have had the legitimate claim of being the world’s foremost expert on bass performance by creating bass guitar amps for many of the worlds best performers and bands. They have brought this expertise to a new line of headphones that combine both lifestyle and audiophile aspirations in one incredible package.

These new headphones are beautifully crafted with amazing detail for a cool “in studio” style. As a matter of fact, they are so “in studio” that they even come equipped with Active Visual Monitoring. That’s right, there are VU meters featured on the left and right ears of the headphones with a line-level signal indicator to give them a dynamic look. Those around you can see the level of your music while you are listening, just like in the studio on a professional mixing board.

These headphones look great, sound great and boast a better noise cancellation than some major brands. And they’re built to even impress professional rock stars with a lightweight alloy frame, breathable protein leather, as well as audio and USB inputs. Available in the UK and on their website in both black and tan for £269 British Pounds. The company is currently searching for distributors in the US and we hope to see them here soon.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


More Simplicity for your Tech Life with Hitachi and Roku



Hitachi with Roku TVWe all search for the best picture quality when looking to purchase a new TV, but now there is so much more that we want included in our sets. And Hitachi brings it with their line of 4k TVs with Roku built in. They bring together Hitachi’s hardware with Roku’s software for a truly amazing viewing experience.

The sets are currently available in three sizes: 50″, 55″ and everybody’s favorite, the 65″. The line will be expanding to ten by the end of the year with sizes ranging from 43″ to 65″ with three different packages available. This gives everybody, regardless of room size or budget, the chance to own a TV with amazing picture quality and the luxury of all that Roku has to offer. That luxury, by the way, consists of over 400 channels and 450,000 movies and shows with a user interface that is extremely easy to operate. The basic package will come with a small and simple remote control for ease of use, while the next two tiers will include full size, advanced remotes, some of which include a headphone jack to make your lives so much easier when you are watching your favorite show and realize that somebody else in the room needs some quiet time.

You can find the Hitachi line of 4K Televisions at Sam’s Club and other major retailers. There are numerous price points available depending upon which set you choose and from where. We found a nice selection starting at about $300 from Amazon, check them out and choose your favorite.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


The Best Innovations will Empower Parents and Inspire Kids



EPIK LearningIt’s really nice when we find companies that are out there working to make a positive difference in the lives of kids. Especially when it’s in one of the areas that we find extremely important: education. Epik Learning is doing just that with their line of computer products that are just for kids.

For many years, when parents wanted to get their kids engaged with computers or tablets, they would just go out and find a low cost, entry level device to purchase and let them use. But this type of computer is not really good for kids. They do not have the right software built in to help the kids learn and grow into the next levels of education and some of them can barely handle the rigors that an adult can put them through, much less be built tough enough for a child. That’s where Epik Learning came onto the scene. They started with a line of tablets made specifically for very small children with educational games and apps that are fun and create a good environment for learning. Kids finally had something of their own that wasn’t just a plastic toy but an actual device that functions.

Here at CES 2017, they are unveiling their new line of kid’s laptops. The TEQNIO line expands their base from small children to those that are a bit older and are ready to venture more into the world of Microsoft applications. The line consists of an ultra slim laptop and a convertible laptop that is also a tablet. Both are built with family use in mind. From doing homework to business applications to streaming movies, you will feel good about this investment in your child’s education. These devices are a great addition to their overall lineup and really bridge the way from early childhood learning to teen development to adulthood.

Overall pricing starts at $69 and goes up to $249, depending upon the model. You can purchase yours at Amazon.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


This Superior 360° Camera Will Blow Your Mind



Panono 360 CameraPanono started off developing a spherical 360° degree camera that could be thrown up in the air and at its highest point, would snap a picture. And although the camera can still do that, the endeavor has turned into so much more. Panono is now proud to boast that their 360° camera has the best resolution of any other on the market today, at an impressive 16k by 8k. The resulting photos are amazingly sharp, even when zoomed in.

Inside, there are a total of 36 camera modules, each with 3 megapixels. After the images are captured, they are blended together, seamlessly in their cloud. The resulting pictures can then be shared on social media, to your own website or even used on VR headsets. And although they are great for the avid traveler and picture taker, they are also perfect for commercial applications. Retailers or restaurants can take a picture of their locations to be added to their websites and to show up in web searches. They are perfect for real estate agents for adding great, multi room shots of their listings. Even the construction and insurance industries would have great use for an exceptional camera such as this. The 360° shot will draw customers in and the crisp detail will make the sale.

The camera is about the size of a grapefruit and weighs approximately one pound. It retails for $1,999 from their website and comes with the case. There are also add on accessories available, including a messenger bag and selfie stick, with a tripod coming soon. And don’t forget to check out their featured images from some of users who choose to make their photos public.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Home Security that is Easy and Affordable



Polaroid Hoop SecurityPolaroid is very well known for their fun point and shoot cameras that instantly print out the pictures. Nowadays, this company is so much more than that. The latest creation to be introduced is their new home security camera. The Hoop is a wireless 1080p intelligent home camera with a cool, funky design, just like the name suggests. Two way audio is built in, so through the accompanying app, you are able to speak with the people (or pets) that are in view. They are also weatherproof making them perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Other features include night vision, motion detection and you can pair as many units together as you would like. The auto pairing is very simple via the app and your Wi-Fi connection.

The Hoop really gives everybody the chance to add security cameras to their home. They could not be more simple to use. Set up takes just three easy steps: 1) turn the camera on, 2) download the app, 3) pair the camera to the app. And there’s no tricky wiring and mounting process. They can sit on a shelf or table, or be quickly attached to the wall with the two prongs on the base. The battery packs last approximately 5-6 months, depending upon actually recording time, and only takes six hours to charge back up.

Want to personalize your settings for your specific household needs? No problem. The settings are easy to adjust and you can even set up several “zones” inside of one camera angle. This allows you to customize the recording based upon the dynamics in your home. For example, if you want the camera to record when the door opens, you can also set the specific zone that will still allow your pets to move around the house freely without triggering the camera to record. And let’s not forget the smart features. They actually learn your ways and patterns and adapt to ensure you get the performance from them that you want. To top it all off, they will sort the recorded files based upon the type of setting or activity in them so that you won’t have to sift through hours and hours of video to find something specific. They are also compatible with all other smart home devices. For instance, if you already have Alexa in your home, you don’t need to worry about having to change anything out or add a second system to the mix.

The Hoop will be available at retailers in the spring with an expected price of $199.99. For more information and to check out their other great products, you can visit their website here.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV