Category Archives: Home

Okidokeys Can Open A Door using Any Phone

January 30, 2014CES 2014, Homeces live broadcast, okidokeys, open locks, todd herion, wifi routerJeffrey Powers

Todd Herion of Okidokeys joins us for the TPN CES live broadcast. Okidokeys is a smart lock and door solution. They want to take the flat key and connect with the other wifi devices.

Okidokeys lock uses a smartphone app to not only open locks for yourself, but also give access to friends and others. The web portal allows to share keys. Perfect for a vaction rental, time share or home rental.

This is a proximity range opener — no Wifi router needed. The lock has a motor which opens the door without needing the key. For an extra charge, you can set up a wifi solution so you can unlock a door while you are away.

The audio key will even work with non-smartphones. They call the number, set a pin code and a pitch will sound to unlock the door.

Prices start at $179. For more information, check out Okidokeys.com

[cessponsor]

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Daniel J. Lewis of The Audacity to Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

SANUS VTM1 iPad Mount

January 27, 2014CES 2014, Homeav furniture, ipad mount, sanus, vtm1Jeffrey Powers

Sanus Lauren Theobald joined Don and I for the TPN CES Live Broadcast. Sanus is an AV manufacturer with cutom AV furniture and on-wall solutions. Easy to install, paint-able, customization and blends in with the room.

Lauren brought the Sanus VTM1 iPad mount. This is a stand or can be attached to a wall or under the cupboard to magnetically hold an iPad using the Magfit case. It is made with aluminum, so it is strong and durable.

The VTM1 is $119 and available now.

To check out all of Sanus mounts, goto Sanus.com

[cessponsor]

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Don Baine of The Gadget Professor

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

iDevices: Four New iGrill, Kitchen Thermometer

January 26, 2014CES 2014, Homebluetooth connected, cooking thermometer, idevices, igrill, ishower, kitchen thermometerJeffrey Powers

We are joined by Peter Gabriele of iDevices to the CES TPN Live broadcast. They have four new cooking thermometers at CES, including the new iGrill and indoor kitchen thermometer. Bluetooth connected to your iOS device, you can monitor the temperature of the center of food. The iGrill is perfect for grilling larger meats. The kitchen thermometer is smaller and can set right on top of the stove or the magnetic bottom can sit on a side of a fridge.

iDevices also makes a host of other products including the iShower, and iSwimband, which makes sure children don’t go underwater too long. The band works on their wrists or on a headband. If your child is swimming and the band indicates they are underwater too long, your smartphone will go off.

The Kitchen Thermometer starts at $39.99 (pre-order) and $79.99 now. The iGrill also has 3 models from $39.99-$99.99

[cessponsor]

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Don Baine of The Gadget Professor

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

D-Link NVR and Low-Light Webcam

January 26, 2014Accessories, CES 2014, Gadgets, Home, VideoTodd Cochrane

At CES’ Digital Experience, Ken from D-Link tells Todd about their new (NVR) and low-light webcam.

The NVR can record up to 9 IP cameras at once, storing the images on the SATA drive. The feeds can be viewed either via an attached HDMI monitor or else viewed remotely via D-Link’s mydlink solution which securely connects from the Internet back to devices in the home, using a web browser or a smartphone app.

The low-light web camera works down to 0.01 lux light levels and can still pick out colours. In complete darkness, a white LED provides illumination for up to 50 feet. As you’d expect, it’s 802.11ac wireless.

Both the NVR and the webcam will have an MSRP of US$379 when they go on sale in April ’14.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Omnimount PJT40 Projector Mount

January 26, 2014Accessories, CES 2014, Home, TVs, VideoTodd Cochrane

If you want to hang or support some piece of technology from a wall or ceiling, then Omnimount ought to be on your review list as they have a portfolio of mounts and brackets that will do the job for flat screen TVs, speakers and projectors. Todd and Don chat with Kevin Paulson, who has the latest ceiling mount, the PJT40, for digital projectors. They also discuss the merits of desks that go up and down to facilitate standing at work. Really.

The new PJT40 is a universal projector mount that offers easy one person installation and tool-less microadjustment in the pitch and roll axes, making it simple to get a perfect image in your home cinema. The PJT40 will be on sale in February priced at US$179, which Don thinks is a bargain. Omnimount products are available AV dealers throughout the US and there’s more information at www.omnimount.com.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

BeeWi Combat Toys

January 26, 2014CES 2014, Gadgets, Home, Toys & GamingTodd Cochrane

Todd and Don have some fun with Tobias Schoeler from French wireless specialists, BeeWi, and on show at CES are Bluetooth battle robots. Controlled from a smartphone app, the robots can fight against themselves or other BeeWi remote controlled toys including helicopters. Very cool and lots of fun.

The robots will be available in the first half of 2014 priced at US$35 and will be supported on Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices. More information and more toys at www.bee-wi.com.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor, and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Goji: More than a Smart Lock – A Smart Access Point with Security Features

January 25, 2014CES 2014, Homeaccelerometer, bluetooth le, goji, keyfob, multiple doors, smart access, smart lock, system alert, take a photoJeffrey Powers

We were joined by Gabriel Bestard-Ribas of Goji Access to the CES TPN Live broadcast. Goji is making key-less electronic locks with built in camera and other security features. A photo is sent so you can confirm who is at the door. Further, you can send a personalized greeting to whoever is at the door. The smart lock starts taking photos before the person approaches the door.

Goji can do more than just allow someone in. If you have a cleaning person come twice a week, you can control the access schedule. It will also make you aware if its not the regular cleaning person.

The Goji unlocks in three ways – Bluetooth LE, smartphone app and through keyfob. The keyfob can be programmed for multiple doors (front, back door, summer house, etc). The base unit also has an accelerometer so if someone knocks on the door, the system will alert your phone.

As each person access Goji, the information will be available in a spreadsheet you can access from your phone. Complete with access time and photos.

The smart lock runs on 4 double-A batteries and there is no special install or cuts made. You can replace your standard lock with this one. The smart lock is set to withstand 85 to -25 degrees. Best part is if the batteries run out, you can flip the door and use the key access.

The smart lock is not available just yet, but you can sign up for an early bird special over at gojiaccess.com Prices will start at $278 for the basic model. Availability will be in March 2014

[cessponsor]

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Don Baine of The Gadget Professor

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Cerwin-Vega XD 3, 4 and 5 Studio Monitors

January 24, 2014CES 2014, Homebass on option, cerwin vega, red soft domed tweeter, speakers, xd3Jeffrey Powers

Carlito Cobos of Cerwin-Vega joined the TPN CES live stream to talk about their new lines of speakers, including the XD3, XD4 and XD5 speakers. Legendary loud bass speakers are their signature.

This year, Cerwin-Vega has a new SL series as well with active and passive speakers. You can tell by the red soft-domed tweeter. The new passive line in 8 different styles of speakers. Connect to your home theater or studio.

The new XD3, XD4, and XD5 speakers has balanced inputs in the back, and auxiliary in. With a Cerwin-Vega bass on option, you can get your music, games and more through these speakers. With the XD8 sub, let your favorite movie sound great!

More at CerwinVega.com

[cessponsor]

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Chris Montera of Health Tech Weekly

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

FLIR Imager attached to a iPhone

January 24, 2014CES 2014, Gadgets, Home, Mobile, VideoTodd Cochrane

flir Flir appeared at Showstoppers, a pre-CES show that helps to kick off the Las Vegas electronics show, and we caught up with them to see what was new. It turns out, the company now has a case for your iPhone that can work a bit of optical magic, transforming the handset into a thermal imaging device.

The product goes a bit beyond just thermal though, as it combines it with the visible spectrum to produce a nice high-quality image. There are a lot of features added to this, and the user can choose the type of image seen. This technology does come at a cost, though. Retail pricing is slated for $349, and the release is planned for this spring. You can head to Flir to find out more.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

PeoplePower’s Presence App Turns Old iPhones Into a Security Cameras

January 22, 2014Accessories, CES 2014, Gadgets, Home, VideoTodd Cochrane

Todd and Don interviewed Gene Wang, from PeoplePower, at CES about their iOS app called Presence 2.0. Presence turns your spare iPhone or iPad into a free remote camera to monitor your home or office from anywhere in the world (Wi-Fi or cellular). Select Presence Motion Detection to receive free Presence Video Alerts and see what happened just moments ago. Or select Video and Audio Streaming to enable convenient 2-way conversations, and even the ability to remotely control robotic viewing stands. Supervise and control your energy consumption before your eyes with Presence, too. Turn lights and appliances on and off from your smartphone with Presence-controlled smart plugs. Automate your system with simple and powerful Presence Rules, helping you design an automated motion detection and energy plan for home or office.

Presence is available now from the iOS App Store for FREE! (hardware accessories are extra) See peoplepowerco.com/products/ for more information.

[cessponsor]

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More