Category Archives: Gadgets

Quanergy Engages Future with Unparalleled Technology

January 25, 2018Auto, CES 2018, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

One of the things that CES does best is encourage new and better developments out of existing tech. This year, Quanergy is showing off their precision technology in Fisker’s new car model (also unveiled at CES 2018), the EMotion. This autonomous vehicle is the first to have LiDAR Sensors built into the vehicle. Up until now, LiDAR Sensors have always been added on to existing vehicles, after the fact, to give them a certain level of autonomy.

Quanergy is the leading provider of solid state LiDAR sensors and smart sensing solutions. They lead the industry in all six key commercialization areas of price, performance, reliability, size, weight, and power efficiency, while meeting the mass deployment requirements of durability and dependability. The intricate design of their components are not only smaller to better fit into any design, but also more accurate than their larger counterparts.

The Fisker EMotion on display consists of five sensors staged throughout and provide it with an autonomous rating of Level 4. To find out more about Quanergy’s software, technology and product line, check out their website.

Interview by Jacob Cannon of FIRST Looks.
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Qi Charging Gets Even More Practical and Absolutely Easy

January 25, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

Vivitar Qi This year, Vivitar is expanding their charging products in some really cool ways. Their new line, Tap Charge, is a group of wireless Qi chargers that include sweet new features. We especially like the one that is tilted up so you can see the screen while charging, instead of laying your smart phone down. This enables you to easily view and use the phone while its charging. It also has USB ports on the front to allow you additional charging solutions while charging your phone on the main pad.

There is a Bluetooth speaker with alarm clock that offers Qi charging on top. Perfect for your bedside to easily charge wirelessly without adding more devices to your night stand. And the Tap Charge Auto is the perfect accessory with Qi charging for the car. No more need to search for cords while driving, just leave the mounted charger plugged in at all times and drop you phone in whenever you need a to charge, and it’s perfect for looking at your GPS on the go.

The line of fabric-covered Qi chargers is really unique and a nice change from traditional black plastic chargers. You can get a single pad or a hub that charges three devices at a time. So whether more than one family member needs to charge at the same time, or if you want to charge your air pods, smart watch and phone all at the same time, you are covered.

They are also coming out with a line called Snap Charge. For on the go charging, they have the best design for a portable power bank. It has a wall plug that is built in and folds away perfectly in a compact design. You can charge by a standard cord, or you can Qi charge on the top surface of the bank that uses micro suction to adhere to phone. We find this a better alternative to adding a phone case with battery charger because you can keep the case that you love and only use the add on when needed. We loved the design so much that we hope they integrate this sleek design into their charging line for other products, such as camera batteries.

Although we were really excited about all of these new charging options, the most unique product they were showing off, by far, is a line of clutch purses that include power banks inside. They have multiple styles to choose from and can not only charge with a standard cord but they also offer Qi wireless charging. Ladies can simply lay the clutch down on the table in front of them and place their phone right on top to charge, making the phone accessible to them at all times.

Prices will vary and will be between $10 and $80 USD.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.
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DropMix Can Show You How to Make Game Night a Party

January 20, 2018CES 2018, Entertainment, Gadgets, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

DropMix Mix up your game night this year with the newest, coolest game in stores called DropMix. DropMix is a music mixing game created by a partnership between Hasbro and Harmonix. The game comes with 60 music cards and the DropMix board that can Bluetooth connect to your device with the DropMix app. Each card has a large name artist and song that you have probably heard on the radio, but it may only be a portion of the song such as just the vocals, base line, drum line or strings. You can play the game by placing one of these cards on the DropMix board and the music is instantly playing through your connected device. Add other music cards to create a unique mix where the game automatically sets the tempo and the key that makes the songs work cohesively.

There are 3 game modes incorporated through the application. The Freestyle game mode allows players to create the sounds they want by navigating through their cards to find the mix that makes them want to dance. Players then have the ability to save their mixes and share them with their friends. The second game mode is Clash. This mode is a strategic game that can be one-on-one or two-on-two with a race to 21 points. Then there is Party mode, the fast-paced game that has everyone working together against the computer. The app will throw out quick challenges that require the players to be able to work together in a small amount of time to get the most points they can.

Get DropMix today for $99.99 and check out some of their latest expansion packs. The 16 card expansion is $14.99 and the 5 card Discover Pack is $4.99.

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Smart and Sleek Watch with Fantastic Emergency Features

January 20, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, Health, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

We weren’t exactly sure what to expect when we were invited to take a look at MobileHelp’s new smartwatch. After all, what’s new with smartwatches? Not much, right? Well… wrong! It was a pleasant surprise to see the life saving technology that they and Samsung have built right into this exciting new wearable.

We are all familiar with the buttons that seniors use in their homes that provide an alert when they need emergency assistance. MobileHelp is the premier Medical Alert System that provides this kind of emergency coverage. While attending CES 2017 last January, they took a meeting with Samsung to discuss how to expand upon their life saving services while also making it more accessible and fashionable for everyone. In only one year, they were able to incorporate their technology into a sleek and stylish new smartwatch.

Not only does this new watch help their user base to become mobile outside of the home, rather than being stuck where their current devices are located, but it also brings these same features to so many more people. Safety is not just a concern for the elderly, yet most able bodied people do not want the stigma of carrying around a medical alert device with them everywhere they go. But when it happens to be an added feature on the watch that they are already wearing, that stigma goes away entirely.

The watch works like a regular time piece and also has a button that calls for emergency services if needed. When pressed, the button signals their central station that you are in potential distress and receives your GPS location. They then give you a call through the phone that is built into the watch to verify your need and coordinate the medical attention to your location. So whether you are a senior who wants more independence, or even an athlete or college student who wants the peace of mind of knowing that medical attention is just a button push away, this watch is for you. As a matter of fact, even the CEO of the company, who is fit and jogs regularly, found himself in a situation where he was dehydrated during a run on a hot Florida day and could have benefitted greatly from this watch.

The only thing better than having peace of mind is getting help when you most need it. Their tagline says it all… Stay Safe Out There. To get more information, click here.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.
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You Are Going to Love What Monster is Taking Over This Year

January 20, 2018CES 2018, Entertainment, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

Monster Products has a lot in store for 2018 and it includes what they’re calling a Monster Takeover. This Takeover has one goal in mind and that is to tackle new technology that Monster has not yet attempted. This includes but is not limited to music based voice activation, truly wireless technology, and new car sound systems.

Voice activation is coming to the music industry in the form of MonsterTalk. MonsterTalk is an all new take on requesting your music at a press of a button and a verbal statement using the AI music assistant, Melody by Speak Music. Monster brought this technology to life by debuting the use of a new 4- button ControlTalk sole purpose of activating MonsterTalk. This voice activation gives you the ability to have a truly hands free listening experience with no internet required.

The AirLinks are also new to the Monster 2018 lineup being Monster Product’s first truly wireless earbuds with a focus in sportswear iSport and the fashionable Elements. The AirLinks are equip with a strong Bluetooth performance for communication between the units and come packaged in a charging compact with the ability to recharge your headphones up to three times. The AirLinks iSport wil be available for $199.95; the AirLinks Elements will be available for $249.95.

Monster has one more major surprise up their sleeves and that is the product of a collaboration with Volkswagen in a new concept car that was unveiled on the first day of CES 2018. Monster created their first car audio system entertainment that has been implemented in the Volkswagen Concept R. At the CES Press Conference, Head Monster Noel Lee exclaimed, “Looks badass… and sounds better.”

Find the right sound for you at Monster’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.
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Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.

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Perfect Stop for All of Your Exciting 3D Printing

January 20, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

XYZprinting has experienced quick growth over the last few years and has now become the largest 3D printer manufacturer in the world. Their reach covers more than a fifth of the global market for 3D printers. How did they grow so rapidly? By focusing on developing high quality, easy to use consumer and business printers at affordable prices. Their aim to become a one stop shop for all things 3D printed has definitely paid off.

This year at CES 2018, XYZprinting showcased their new Da Vinci Color. This four color 3D printer comes complete with a four color scanner built right inside. At a price point of $4,000, this model is designed for small to medium businesses, as well as consumers who are professional makers/crafters. It prints with a color quality similar to your home ink jet printer and offers 16 million different color shades by using their new Color Inkjet PLA Filament. It comes with a gallery of files to get you printing right away, as well as with free entry-level 3D printing software that is designed to assist you with designing your own unique 3D prints. This new version of the da Vinci will be available in the second quarter of 2018 at their website and Amazon.

XYZprinting offers a full line of personal 3D printers, as well, with prices starting at $229. Check out some of the options currently available, some of which with reduced prices, at the links below.

da Vinci 1.0 Pro Wireless 3D Printer
da Vinci miniMaker
da Vinci jr.

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Enjoy the Future Now with the Most Adorable Kuri Robot

January 19, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

Kuri, the adorable home robot. The world of robotics has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years. As a society, we are now use to seeing the large manufacturing robots that assist with building any number of products, and the warehousing robots that assist with pallets of merchandise for packing and shipping. We’re even beginning to accept the notion of self-driving cars and drones delivering our packages and carryout. So, it’s only natural that our robotic dreams take us back into cartoon history, when we all wanted our very own helpful robot at home.

Well, those dreams can now be a reality. Introducing Kuri, from Mayfield Robotics.

Kuri is an adorable and real live robot that has been designed to make your home smarter and your life a little easier. Not only is Kuri cute with emotive eyes, but he is equipped with sensors to map out and adjust to your home. He has Bluetooth speakers on both sides that allow you to listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. He’ll even tell bedtime stories to the kids. There is an integrated camera that captures your life’s special moments by taking videos in 5 second intervals. The videos are sent to the mobile app where you can like your favorites, which helps Kuri learn the kind of content you like the best. Also through the app, you will have remote access into your home while you’re away, so you can check in on things and make sure that Fido isn’t on the couch. And if he is, you can talk to him and tell him to get down, right through the robot.

Kuri is a great way to keep connected to your home and life at home. Check out their website where Kuri can be preordered now with a spring delivery for the discounted price of $799. The price will go up to $899 on March 1, 2018.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad.
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Fantastic Way You Convert Your Bicycle to Electric

January 19, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, Health, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

Travel smarter with the Electron Wheel. It will turn your trusty bicycle into a powerful hybrid e-bike that’s ready to take you into the future of personal travel. The Electron wheel is an attachable motor you can connect to your front wheel that will give you a powerful boost while riding. This device can be fully installed in 30 seconds, without tools, to your front wheel and pedal. The wheel has a range of 50 miles and can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. A helpful aspect of this wheel is active hill assist, in real time it will automatically give you a boost when riding up a hill without having you interacting with it. As part of the e-bike community the Electron Wheel has a fully functional app that lets you control various functions of the wheel, such as power, assistance levels and battery life.

An exciting announcement made here at CES 2018 is their new partnership with Google to integrate google assistance voice control. This will allow people when riding to change assistance levels or check battery life with just voice commands, such as being able to say “Hey google, check Electron Wheel battery life”.

Moreover, Electron is having a publicity stunt where they sent a cyclist with the new Electron Wheel to bike all the way from New York to Las Vegas over the course of 10 days. To appear at the steps of the convention hall of CES 2018 on January 10th to celebrate the launch of the next generation Electron Wheel. Our team was lucky enough to be there in the lobby when he arrived.

To learn more information about Electron Wheel go to electronwheel.com.

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Get Ready for the Most Awesome Electric Scooter

January 18, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

Ujet Scooters Ride comfortably with the new stylish and efficient Ujet. The Ujet is a fantastic city and urban vehicle that is incredibly lightweight. This electric scooter has the ability to travel 90 miles on a single charge.

But this is in no way your typical electric scooter. For example, the seat serves as a detachable battery pack that conveniently rolls around like a piece of standup luggage. This technology makes it very easy to take the seat/power supply inside to charge. This is also a fantastic security solution as it is impossible to ride the scooter away when the seat is detached.

The Ujet also has the fabulous ability to fold up to a very compact size making it easy to store in small spaces, such as the corner of a garage or hidden under the stairwell of an apartment building.

Pricing for Ujet starts at $8900 USD, making it an affordable and cost effective alternative vehicle. There is also a version with the larger battery that costs $9990 USD.

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Omron is A New Breed of Smartwatch, With a Medical Focus

January 18, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

Omron Healthcare A new breed of smartwatch, elevating the playing field of consumer expectations from current industry norms to include accurate heart readings. This is how CEO Ranndy Kellogg introduced Omron’s latest offering to the smartwatch market. Smartwatches have steadily been gaining more and more popularity with consumers in today’s market. The digital display, along with the number of very convenient and popular options, have been important factors in their rise in popularity. Also, users can download compatible apps for their smartphones which allows them to track and monitor their progress has also been an important factor as well.

This is the current staple of the market, and nothing particularly novel, which is exactly what Omron hopes to change with their new addition to the field. Omron a leader in cardiovascular monitoring equipment is now introducing their FDA-approved heart monitoring equipment into their latest offering in smartwatch world. This cutting edge watch includes the same inflatable band that is in the classic blood pressure cuff found in doctor’s offices all over the world, but takes the same technology and minimizes it to fit into the band of the watch itself. Omron’s new gadget is able to take Accurate and Systolic and Diastolic readings, as well as actual EKG readings.

Now, that may not seem like much of a big deal to a non fitness watch enthusiast, but this is an evolutionary step in gaining access to accurate biometric readings instantly and on the go. This paves the way for more accurate, readily-available readings straight from our bodies, given as feedback in response to whatever physical activities we decide to participate in. Fitness watches now, when calibrated properly, will do little more than give you best guess numbers regarding: steps taken, calories burned and total distance walked. Many consumers are big fans of what the average fitness watch can do now, but this new tech hitting the market gives those with existing heart problems, adrenaline-junkies or anyone out there who also is interested in biometric feedback data a lot to be excited for. Oh, don’t forget, you can browse the net, make or take calls, text, review calendar events, and I’m pretty sure it tells the time too.

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