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Category Archives: Gadgets
DRF – The Device Renewal Forum Certifies Phone Recycling
With over 2 billion wireless devices (mobile phones) produced every year, the recycling and reuse of these gadgets is an important environmental issue. Todd chats to Perry LaForge of the Device Renewal Forum about how many major companies are now approaching the issue.
The DRF’s mission is “to expand the growth of the device renewal market through the development of a common and branded certification process for renewed wireless devices”, which means that for consumers, a DRF-certified device will have been properly processed, removing any traces of the previous owners data, and confirms that the phone meets the technical requirements for use on a mobile network.
Several major companies, such as Sprint, are joining the scheme and for the sake of the planet, let’s hope the DRF is a success.
Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.
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Sphero Releases Sharky the Beaver Mixed Reality App
GNC first saw Sphero at CES last year and it’s a really cool toy: a rugged waterproof ball controlled from a smartphone or tablet. So what has Sphero been up to in the past year…Todd and Don find out from Ian Bernstein, CTO Founder.
While the hardware is unchanged from last year, Sphero has grown the number and type of companion apps from around 5 apps to over 20 with several produced by third parties. New on the scene is a mixed reality app which uses the tablet or smartphone’s camera to track Sphero and overlay Sharky the Beaver on the device’s screen. It’s particularly fun as the real-world interaction with Sphero creates a relationship with the cartoon character which makes it that bit more believable.
Sphero works with both iOS and Android devices, and retails for around $130. Lots of fun and there’s an SDK if you feel like rolling your own (sorry!)
Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.
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A Look at CE Design
Here’s some insight into the world of design – taking standard features and capabilities and presenting them in a fresh way. Vivick Designs in headquartered in Vancouver, BC and, since 1986 has been behind many of the designs for products we use and wear. In this interview, we look at two novel designs, one for a LED study lamp that combines a Bluetooth speaker system – and also allows connection from the regular desktop computer, and the other a portable power supply that is designed to power devices such as tablet or smartphone when regular AC mains power is not available. It includes a means of stowing the line cord, all a part of the design for use that the company has as a specialty. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Scott Ertz, F5 Live: Refreshing Technology .
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Action Packed 360 Degree 4K Video on a Budget
There is nothing like the popular GoPro camera to get right in the middle of the action. This adapter from EyeMirror adds a full 360 degree view, and features a totally sealed enclosure so that the mirror never gets wet (tested to over 100 feet). The camera shoots at 4K, 24 Frames per second in a package that’s fully qualified for underwater adventure, and then the software translates it to a web page viewer that allows the reader to direct the view of the video to any point in the field of view.
The system is not only usable for outdoor videography, but there are security applications where a 360 degree surveillance field is of interest. The camera is $800, significantly less than other solutions – and it can be attached to conventional cameras and DSLR’s for photography on land. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews
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Streaming Live 3D video
This is a developers dream project, from a new company called Pairasight. It has been over two years in development – with a prototype that has been fabricated on a 3D printer. The capture device links to a smartphone which then transmits the signal to a website where it is displayed, and is viewable in 3D. The full 1080p video streams are both at 30 frames per second, from separate left and right 5 megapixel cameras, and include audio as well. The on-board processer CPU has less than 5% loading, and the developers anticipate that onboard realtime image processing will be in the next version of the device. With 600 mAh hour battery, it gives about 90 minutes of streaming – or about six hours without continuous streaming. Developers can have early access to the modules used in the device at SomThings.com, with single unit pricing of $200.
The initial applications for the device will be for EMT responses and repair or do-it-yourself advice with the realtime expert being connected on a wireless link. The developer’s hope that with early adoption efforts, it will become another tool for getting the right knowledge and skillset on site and on target. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Scott Ertz, F5 Live: Refreshing Technology .
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Hold and Operate Your Tablet While on Skype
As revolutionary and handy as tablets such as the iPad have become in just a few years, they are still not set up to be easily held and operated during a Skype call or similar event. Participants end up propping the device at the right angle – which works until there is some screen action that needs to be taken or volume adjustment made – which knocks the camera view off center or topples the whole device to the floor. Mobio devices are manufacturer agnostic, equally at home on Apple, Samsung or other brands. And, for any tablet device it becomes a stand in landscape or portrait mode,depending on the application being run. For video or still camerawork, your hand does not cover the camera, making it easier to take steady shots, up close. Price class $45 . TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Scott Ertz, F5 Live: Refreshing Technology .
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Big Surprise: Women Love Spiders
At least when they are the Breffo Spider– a mounting system for desktop, auto, bike or cubicle. It’s not clear if they love spiders, or if they are buying them for gifts, but it’s been a surprising trend since it was introduced a year ago. Applicable to any sort of mobile device, the completely pliable legs capture GPS units, smartphones, cameras, radar detectors, portable radios, music players and other devices. Using a premium grade of steel rod, it holds in position rather than springing back. Oriented in portrait or landscape, it can be molded to the car headrest or other vehicle parts. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Scott Ertz, F5 Live: Refreshing Technology .
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For the Construction Site – The Job Rocker
Ion Audio’s Block Rocker is now on steroids ! The construction site is the next venue for the popular device which has been found all over the country in parks, backyard parties, bars and outside events. With a built-in Bluetooth system, music from smartphone or tablet can be connected wirelessly, without trying to pass audio through the regular 30 pin connector. A built in AM-FM radio complements the music from mp3’s for news and sports. The unit is designed to withstand common field hazards. Internal battery supplies hours of music on the work site. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.
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iGrill now on Android – with Geolocation and Social Networking
Two years ago at CES, iDevices Inc introduced a novel application for the iPhone – the iGrill temperature sensor. Theproduct continues to evolve. and is now available for Android and includes both geolocation and social networking. You might not think of GPS as being particularly useful for the iGrill accessory – but it turns out that thousands of people around the world are cooking out at the same time, and are very proud of what they do. iDevices links to their Facebook page, and allows them to post directly to their Facebook page. Mark Zuckerberg is a fan – cheerfully crashing the servers at iGrill as fans around the world checked them out.
iDevices does consulting for other companies, showing them how to integrate apps, geolocation and social media into their product lines. Their relationship with Apple enables new companies to quickly get on board.
The CEO of the company talks about iShower, and joint ventures with Targus and other companies planned for 2013. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.
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