Category Archives: Computers

Showcase PCs: The art of gaming through holograms @ CES 2022

January 26, 2022CES 2022, Computersces2022, computer, desktop, gadgets, holographic, led, rgbPLUGHITZ Live

Showcase PC Holographic Cases There is no doubt that gaming PCs have come a long way in terms of both performance and aesthetics. Showcase PCs represent the pinnacle of this trend, taking the idea of turning the gaming PC into an art form to its logical conclusion. The custom 3D and 4D designs create a truly immersive experience, transporting you into the game itself.

What are Showcase PCs?

Showcase PCs are gaming PCs that have been transformed into works of art. They feature 100% unique, custom-made designs that set them apart from anything else on the market. The holographic effects create an immersive experience that truly immerses you in the game world.

Currently, the trend in gaming PCs is the extreme RGB setup, or “unicorn vomit” as it is affectionately referred to in our offices. Everything in, on, and around the computer has the ability to light up and, with platforms like Razer Chroma, work in unison. This includes the case, RAM, drives, cables, mice, mousepads, keyboards, webcams, and even your chair.

But, what if you could take that extreme RGB and kick it up? That is exactly what Showcase PCs are – the next generation of PC art. Using fans, which a gaming PC already has a lot of, you can create holographic text, images, and even animations in and on your PC case. Add to that more traditional LED lighting and you can extend the experience of the image and animation.

Why Choose a Showcase PC?

There are many reasons to choose a Showcase PC. Firstly, they look amazing and will add an extra level of style to any gaming setup. Secondly, the holographic effects create an incredibly immersive experience that will take your gaming to a whole new level. Finally, Showcase PCs are available at a more affordable price point than other high-end gaming PCs.

The simple installation (known as 3D) includes a holographic screen on the inside of the side panel of the case. But, if you really want to make your case unique, you can have a second, smaller screen on the top (known as 4D). The best scenario is to use these two in conjunction, having your animation move from one to the other. One example we saw was a fish swimming through the case and then jumping out of the case over the top and back into the “water” below.

How Do I Get One?

There are a couple of ways to get a Showcase PC. The first, and will be the first to launch publicly, will be to purchase a complete, pre-built system. You’ll be able to choose from existing bundles, including everything you need to get started, or customize the specs of the computer and decide whether you want the single internal screen (3D) or both the internal and external screens (4D).

Soon, you’ll also be able to purchase self-installation kits to upgrade your existing PC case or spice up a new build.

Summary

To learn more about Showcase PCs, see more videos of them in action, or to purchase your own, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Lazy Moose wants to make NFTs accessible for fundraising @ CES 2022

January 25, 2022CES 2022, Computers, Entertainmentces2022, crowdfunding, funding, gadgets, nftPLUGHITZ Live

Lazy Moose NFTs School fundraising needs to evolve along with the times and can also be a fantastic educational opportunity on crypto. Not only do a lot of options available take large fees but aren’t available in the global market. Lazy Moose is the future of NFT school fundraising and educational opportunities.

What are NFTs?

NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens are a form of non-interchangeable data stored on the blockchain. This differs from Bitcoin in that each token is uniquely identifiable. NFT data may be associated with a variety of file types including video, images, audio, and hyperlinks. NFTs claim to offer a public ledger, but this claim has not been legally verified. NFTs do not restrict the sharing of the underlying content and cannot prevent the creation of another NFT with identical content.

NFTs have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital content. For example, imagine being able to own a piece of digital art that is unique and cannot be replicated. NFTs could also be used to create online marketplaces for digital assets, similar to eBay or Amazon. It is important to note that NFTs are still in their early stages and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely adopted. For example, NFTs do not currently have a built-in mechanism for verification and authentication. This means that it is possible for someone to create a fake NFT and pass it off as the real thing.

What is Lazy Moose?

Lazy Moose seeks to connect schools with artists and developers in order to mint NFTs for fundraising or educational purposes. This collaborative effort can allow for a wide variety of projects, ranging from the development and minting of NFTs directly by students, or working with Lazy Moose to create an NFT for fundraising purposes. Lazy Moose is still actively developing relationships with artists, developers, athletics programs, and companies.

Imagine that you’re a teacher in charge of a high school robotics team. A season can be incredibly expensive, but fundraising can be a real challenge. Printing collectible items is expensive and time-consuming, but fans might actually want something to remember the season by. This is where Lazy Moose can come in. Rather than creating physical collectibles, you could instead mint NFTs to sell to fans, family, and booster clubs.

For example, if your team wins an award at a competition, you could mint NFTs representing the award itself. Then, those who are supportive could purchase that NFT to remember the season by. With Twitter’s new NFT integration for profile pictures, students could even set it as their profile picture in a hexagon, indicating that it’s real. This gives students and mentors the ability to support the team while also showing that support off online, hopefully bringing in additional supporters.

Summary

Lazy Moose is a startup that, like its namesake chordate mammal is burdened with a noble purpose. Bringing crypto-education and fundraising to people around the world. To learn more about Lazy Moose please visit the company’s website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Foodetective: API unifier for food & bev. business software @ CES 2022

January 22, 2022CES 2022, Computersanalysis, analytics, ces2022, food, internet, restaurantPLUGHITZ Live

Foodetective management integration Food business owners have a lot on their plate. Not only do they need to worry about the food itself, but they also need to manage their technology stack and stay up to date with the latest software innovations. Foodetective is here to help, as they are the leading API unifier for food and beverage businesses of all sizes.

What is Foodetective?

Foodetective is a web platform that integrates all your software and systems into a single portal. This allows food business owners to manage their entire tech stack in one place, reducing operational inefficiencies and improving business insights. Foodetective also has a directory of businesses that showcases customer-facing services.

With Foodetective, you can manage your entire tech stack in one place, reduce operational inefficiencies, and improve business insights. Stay connected with your data from your pocket – updated information will automatically synchronize on connected apps. Get listed on their directory and benefit from their lead-generating platform that showcases your customer-facing services.

How does Foodetective work?

These days, every vendor, from your soda distributor to your food supplier, all use different systems. This means that to place orders, track shipments, and track invoices you need to be all over the internet. When you combine those systems with the data from your point-of-sale system, employee management system, and everything else you need to run a business, you can spend most of your time hoping between interfaces trying desperately to remember passwords.

Foodetective’s API connects to all of your software and systems, automatically synchronizing updates across connected apps. This means that you can use a single system to see how much beef you have used this week and order more beef from your supplier. You can then compare the cost to the sales to ensure there is still a manageable profit on the menu items you sell and figure out which ones you don’t sell enough of. This is a huge benefit to businesses no matter the size.

The platform even integrates with the delivery platforms, like Uber Eats and DoorDash. If a restaurant delivers using both of them, they can receive data for both platforms in a single interface, making it easier to fulfill those orders on time, as opposed to flipping between unrelated devices for each platform.

Additionally, Foodetective offers lead-generation services that help promote your food business to new customers. As a customer of the platform, you get listed in their system, giving you news ways for customers and vendors to find you.

Why use Foodetective?

Food business owners need every edge they can get in order to be successful. Foodetective helps businesses stay up to date with the latest software innovations, manage their technology stack more efficiently, and generate leads for new customers. In a nutshell, Foodetective is an essential tool for any food or beverage business owner looking to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line.

Summary

To learn more about Foodetective and how it might help your food and beverage business, check out their website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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AirPoint Ring: Control your computer with your fingertips @ CES 2022

January 21, 2022CES 2022, Computersces2022, computer, gadgets, gesture, mouse, presentation, ringPLUGHITZ Live

AirPoint Ring mouse Do you get tired of using a mouse to control your computer? Have you ever wished you could just use your fingers to navigate around your screen? Well, now there is a product that allows you to do just that! AirPoint Ring is a wearable finger device that offers 3D navigation on top of the functionalities of a typical mouse. This means that you can control your computer with just your fingertips!

What is the AirPoint Ring?

The AirPoint Ring is a ring-shaped finger wearable unit that offers users a more natural way to interact with their computers. Most importantly, it is easy to use! All you have to do is put it on your finger, pair it with your computer, and you’re ready to go! Rather than holding your hand over a mouse and moving it around your desk, you can simply wave your hand around in the air. This is great for people who use a computer a lot and get strain from the mouse. It’s also great for people presenting through PowerPoint, or something similar.

The Ring includes all of the additional features we have come to expect from a mouse, including the ability to click, drag, scroll, zoom, and navigate, all accessible through gestures. The product also comes with a rechargeable AirPoint Charger that allows you to charge your Ring by seamlessly docking into it.

What are the benefits of using the AirPoint Ring?

There are many benefits to the AirPoint Ring. One of the most important, however, is reduced fatigue problems. Using a typical mouse can often lead to fatigue in the hands and arms. The AirPoint Ring eliminates this problem because all of the navigation is done with your fingers.

You can also experience increased productivity. Many users report that they are more productive when using the AirPoint Ring because it allows them to do tasks faster and more easily. But, it’s also ideal for presentations because you can move around the screen quickly and easily without having to worry about getting lost.

Depending on the game, it can also be great for gaming. The AirPoint Ring provides a more immersive gaming experience by allowing you to navigate through the game environment with ease. It can also be perfect for artists and designers. This is especially true for artists and designers who need to navigate around complex three-dimensional spaces.

Who is the AirPoint Ring for?
The AirPoint Ring is perfect for anyone who wants an easier, more natural way to interact with their computer. The product is ideal for presentations, gaming, art and design work, and general navigation around the screen. Essentially, if you are looking for a new way to use your computer, either at your desk or from across the room, the AirPoint Ring might be your perfect new companion.

Summary

The AirPoint Ring is available for purchase right now for $129.99. To learn more or to buy one for yourself, you can head to the company’s website or Amazon.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Tanoshi computers are a perfect school companion for kids @ CES 2021

March 1, 2021CES 2021, Computersandroid, ces2021, computer, gadgets, laptopPLUGHITZ Live

Tanoshi kids' computers Having a computer for children went from a nice to have in 2019 to a near necessity in 2020, and that requirement seems to not be slowing down. Of course, not all computers are great for kids. Either they’re too fragile, too easy to use for unapproved reasons, getting into unsafe places, and more. Over the years, kids’ computers have been a thing, but they always focus on very young kids. But, the Tanoshi computers have a wider range of ages.

The Tanoshi computers take some inspiration from the Surface product line, being able to use as both a full laptop or as a tablet. In laptop mode, you get a full hardware keyboard complete with a touchpad and emoji key. For tablet mode, the screen detaches from the keyboard and continues to function as a complete computer. When doing schoolwork, this gives the student the ability to choose where and how to work. After school, they get the ability to take it with them and explore.

The computers feature Android, as opposed to Windows or ChromeOS. With Android, they get access to the Google Play Store, but in a limited way. The computer features a robust parental control system, so parents can approve and deny apps, monitor screen and app use time, set approved usage hours (like turning off at bedtime), and more.

Of course, as a kids’ computer, there are some things that will make the experience better. For example, the durability is impressive. In fact, during the conversation, you can see the screen literally thrown across the room and continue to work. It is also available in a choice of bright colors, which will be appealing to kids.

The Tanoshi 2-in-1 is available for $199, and the new Tanoshi Scholar is available for $299 (with a special at $249 as of this writing). To learn more or purchase one for your family, head to the Tanoshi website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Mercku M6 Mesh is an attractive, powerful Wi-Fi system @ CES 2021

February 28, 2021CES 2021, Computers, Home, Wirelessces2021, gadgets, wifi, wirelessPLUGHITZ Live

Mercku M6 Mesh Wi-Fi system Wi-Fi is an essential part of our daily lives, made even more important with the global lockdowns. But, many home wireless networks are questionable, which can cause a lot of problems working from home or watching content on your phone, computer, or tablet. A strong, powerful Wi-Fi system running on the most modern publicly available standard, can help address this. The Mercku M6 Mesh is just such a system.

Mesh systems, like the Mercku M6 Mesh, allow you to use multiple access points around your home or office, which all identity as the same wireless network. This allows you to walk around your home while maintaining your Wi-Fi connection. This can be almost required for a two-story building, like our offices, where you lose almost all coverage when you change floors. But, by placing a second device, which connects to the first and acts as a repeater, you can keep your signal strength at peak performance.

The Mercku M6 Mesh also features Wi-Fi 6, which is the current standard coming into CES 2021. This standard provides the fastest speeds and strongest signal available. With a faster maximum bandwidth, it allows for better speeds even with degraded coverage (such as in outer corners). Wi-Fi 6 also allows the mesh to have the best possible connection between access points.

Another big focus for the product is appearance. Unlike Wi-Fi routers of the past, mesh routers are designed to be placed out in the open to maximize signal strength. As such, appearance is an important aspect of the product. Many mesh routers take a minimalistic approach, looking like boxes or air fresheners. The Mercku M6 Mesh, however, is designed to be seen and to be a point of aesthetic pride.

The Mercku M6 Mesh is coming soon and will have a suggested price of $349. To learn more about the product and to find out when it comes to market, check out the Mercku website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Blacknut has a huge catalog of cloud streaming games @ CES 2021

February 20, 2021CES 2021, Computers, Entertainmentces2021, cloud gaming, gaming, project xcloudPLUGHITZ Live

Blacknut cloud gaming platform There is no doubt that the future of gaming has a big place for cloud streaming services. There have been a number of companies, including Microsoft and Google, who have gotten in on the game. However, there seems to be a lot of question over the stability of and the commitment to these platforms. One company that is showing both stability and commitment is Blacknut.

The company has taken a very similar approach to Microsoft, in that the service is a monthly fee and includes all of the games in the catalog. The games in the catalog have no ads and no in-game purchases. Your game state is stored in the cloud, meaning that you can start your game on your phone and continue it on the computer, or vice versa. But, how many games are available? Currently, the service offers over 400 games with n ew games added weekly.

The catalog is also very diverse. There is a large collection of Japanese games with anime styling, such as BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. There are a lot of racing games, from big name franchises like Asphalt, Gravel, and MotoGP. And, there are weird games, like Overcooked and Farming Simulator 19. There is definitely something for everyone.

The service also has a strong focus on families. On your single subscription, you can create up to 5 profiles, so everyone has their progress separately. There are also parental controls, disabling access during certain times and limiting access to games with certain ratings.

Blacknut is available now for $15.99 per month, with a 50% discount for your first three months with discount code WELCOME3M21. You can play games on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Fire TV, and Google TV. To learn more about the platform, browse the catalog of games, and start your subscription, head over to the Blacknut website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Pigro makes finding answers from your company data easy @ CES 2021

January 22, 2021CES 2021, Computersanalysis, analytics, ces2021, data, gadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

Pigro knowledge management Every company may produce different products and services, but one thing that every company produces is a ton of information. For a lot of companies, it can be difficult to keep that information organized, and even more difficult to grab the information you need when you need it. This is never more urgent than for support staffers, who often need to access very detailed bits of info in a short period of time. That’s where Pigro comes in.

Pigro, which means lazy in Italian, is a data indexing and search platform designed specifically to be able to answer questions about the company and its products when needed. The whole aim of the system is to make data searchable to reduce the amount of time spent trying to answer a question.

Take, for example, a product like a smart TV powered by Roku. The operating system is not made by the same company as the television itself, but support staff will certainly be asked questions about the operation of the Roku system. Rather than having to train every support team member on every aspect of a product your company doesn’t make, you could instead load all of Roku’s support documents, as well as your own, into Pigro so your staffers can find the answers to obscure questions on demand.

The best part of the system is that it takes requests in the form of natural language. This means that you can ask questions in the same way you would to a coworker next to you, which we don’t currently have. It also means that you don’t have to guess what keywords the person who uploaded the document may have used, as they are likely not the ones you are thinking about for your question.

Pigro is currently available, and the company will give you a demo of the system in action on your own dataset. To find out more and to book a demo, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Wonder Painter – Tech Podcasts Network Best of CES 2020 Award

January 15, 2020Accessories, Camera, CES 2020, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Images, Mobile, Photography, Special Events, Tech Podcast Networkces2020, digital photography, gadgets, mobile, storytellingPLUGHITZ Live

The Tech Podcasts Network team awards its TPN Best of CES 2020 Award to Wonder Painter.

As a kid, almost everyone imagined themselves as the protagonist in their favorite stories. Heck, most adults do it when they read. However, those picture books never actually feature your face, right? Wonder Painter has created a technology that can directly bring any drawing or photo to life. The technology can allow publishers to use the reader’s drawing or photo as an integral part of their storytelling experience.

Imagine a story about two kids going on an adventure – it’s a fairly standard kids book concept. However, using Wonder Painter’s technology, that story can feature you and your best friend as the kids going on said adventure. During the story, the two of you need a horse to get across a large field. Simply draw your own horse and the drawing comes to life as your transportation. This is nearly every kid’s dream scenario and it is now a possibility.

The company has published a few demo apps to the Apple App Store to show off the basics of what their technology can do. While these demos are a ton of fun, the really important part is the technology. It is available in a platform-agnostic way, making it possible to build for the web, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, and more. The company licenses this technology to content creators to allow them to make their own products and services more interactive. They are currently working with LG, Baidu, Alibaba, and more to make interactive applications a reality.

If you want to see the technology in action, check out the Wonder Painter apps in the App Store or the company’s website. You can also learn about the SDK, Cloud service, and ask for a private demo of the development tech.

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MicroVision – The Gadget Professor (TPN Picks Best of CES 2020 Award)

January 15, 2020CES 2020, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Mobile, Special Events, Tech Podcast Network, Videoces2020, gadgets, projector, touchPLUGHITZ Live

The Gadget Professor awards his TPN Picks Best of CES 2020 Award to MicroVision.

Over the past few years, the cost of projection technology has come down significantly. That has been paired with the size of the technology getting smaller. On Black Friday 2019, we saw pico projectors being offered for less than $100. However, these devices don’t provide a lot of value for most consumers. That’s because the way we interact with our computing technology has changed, as well.

Most people expect the screens in their life to be touch. Nearly all laptops, definitely all phones and tablets, and even a lot of desktop (all-in-one) computers offer touch input. Projection screens, however, still require external input – that is until now. MicroVision has developed the Interactive Projection Engine – a very small hardware array that allows developers to produce devices with touch-enabled projection.

The demo device we got to see allowed for nearly any standard video input and computing output to connect to a device. We saw the projector connected to a phone with impressive touch recognition capabilities. But, the possibilities are endless, especially when connected to a computer. Even in our portable broadcast studio, this projector would make traveling easier, because it would eliminate the need for monitors.

Imagine being a business traveler, maybe you’re a salesperson. You don’t know what your client might have in a conference room. You don’t want to pack a full projector, but the pico projectors tend to be too dim. This technology, however, is laser-powered, making it possible to use it in standard lighting. We even saw it on our wall in the studio with our lighting and the light of the convention center.

The demo device is available for developers through an application. The company is working with manufacturers to produce commercial products based on the technology.

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