Category Archives: Video

MGo Makes 4K Video Streaming a Reality at CES

CES 2015, Entertainment, Video, , , , ,

Mgo logoIt seems like only yesterday we were crazy about our new high-definition TV’s. “We’ll never need anything better than this!” we proclaimed in pure satisfaction. But the times move on and so does the tech.

No doubt TPN followers are well aware of the arrival of 4K video. Marlo had a chat with Christophe Louvion, COO of MGO, a premium video-streaming service that specializes in 4K presentations. Louvion tells the story of how MGO was hoping to launch its 4K service at CES 2014, but they weren’t quite ready to go live. They did manage a successful launch later in the year, however, and MGO’s streaming capabilities have improved since.

Christophe also explains how MGO rebuilt the service after that failed launch, starting with the TV set and working back to the content provider.

Interview by Marlo Anderson from The Tech Ranch.

Become a GNC Insider today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Ventev Brings Battery Packs and Accessories to CES

Accessories, CES 2015, Mobile, Video, , , ,

Ventev LogoAlthough there have been great improvements in battery technology, the bigger screens, thinner devices and faster processors mean that it’s always necessary to monitor a smartphone’s battery level. USB power packs can help in alleviating battery anxiety and Marlo chats to Scott Franklin of Ventev to see what they have to offer.

Ventev brings a selection of mobile accessories including battery packs and cables with some specifically aimed at Apple products with Lightning connector. With prices from $39.99 up to $99.99, there’s a pack for every situation and price.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch. Note that the early part of the interview is missing.

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Kodak Shows IM5 Smartphone at CES

CES 2015, Mobile, Photography, Video, , , ,

Kodak logoNew technology can be great but sometimes, it’s loaded with so many options that it can also be difficult to truly grasp how it works. That’s the problem Kodak is hoping to solve with its new IM5 smartphone.

Todd talked to Lindsay Higgins from Kodak about the IM5. Lindsay explained that the device was designed with Baby Boomers in mind. She described the IM5 as an affordable camera phone that’s easy to use, with simple features that emphasize browsing and sharing photos.

The IM5 runs Android 4.42 and it uses a 13 megapixel back camera as well as a 5 megapixel front camera. The base model includes 8 gigabytes of storage, with models that expand up to 32 gigabytes. The IM5 also allows for dual SIM cards, so it’ll easily travel abroad.

Interview by Todd Aune from The Elder Divide for the TechPodcast Network.

Become a GNC Insider today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Powerocks Brings the Power to CES

CES 2015, Video, , , ,

Powerocks LogoUSB power packs for charging smartphones can be found everywhere and companies are striving hard to find their niche in a crowded market. Todd talks with Craig Miller from Powerocks about how they’re going to set themselves apart.

Powerocks has adopted a two pronged approach. It’s taking USB battery packs and giving them a lifestyle makeover, in this case a leather covering, to make them more appealing to a wider audience and sold in mainstream stores.

Secondly, Powerocks is using its battery expertise to build products that aren’t only smartphone chargers but are also chargeable batteries themselves. The Jump Starter vehicle emergency unit includes a 10,000 mAh battery, USB charging ports, an LED signal light, a torch, a distress alarm, a steel break-glass and a car jump-starter all in one unit.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Sonavation Presents IDKEY at CES

CES 2015, Video, , ,

IDKEY M-SeriesAt last count, I had over 300 usernames and passwords in my password manager. It’s a ridiculous state of affairs and not one that is likely to change anytime soon. Whatever technique or tool you choose to use, you need a good balance between convenience and security. Sonavation‘s IDKEY might help increase both of those things, so Todd met with Jason Oliver from Sonavation.

The M-series IDKEY combines 16 GB of encrypted storage with a fingerprint reader, a small screen and a built-in database to manage confidential information. Simply, it’s a secure password manager that goes on a keyring. Once unlocked with a fingerprint, usernames and passwords can be read off the screen, or more usefully the information can be passed securely to a web browser or mobile device via wifi, bluetooth or USB. It’s FIDO-compliant and physically meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3, meaning that anyone who tries to take the hardware apart will destroy the data in the process.

Preorders are  for the M-series with availability expected in Q1 for $279. It appears from the IDKEY website that there is a cheaper version but no pricing is given.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Sliingbox New Models Come to CES

CES 2015, Video, , ,

Sling LogoSlingMedia and its associated Slingbox are synonymous with place-shifting TV programming. Connect a SlingBox into a satellite or cable TV box, and you can then view your cable or satellite feed from anywhere in the world. Whatever can be viewed in the living room can be viewed remotely. Jamie and Todd chat with Andy Panizza about the latest developments from SlingMedia.

The Slingbox M1 ($149) is the entry-level Slingbox and it brings Wi-Fi connectivity to the whole Slingbox range for the first time, winning it PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice. The Slingbox 500 ($249) introduced SlingTV which overlays program guides and additional information onto the home TV screen as well as providing place-shifting. Both models are available now.

Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

AAMP Ensures Car Tech Stays Up to Date at CES

Auto, CES 2015, Video, , , ,

Aamp of AmericaWhile most people get a new smartphone every other year, buying a new car doesn’t happen as quickly. As a result, in-car technology can get out of date fast, particularly with respect to entertainment and communication. Fortunately, AAMP of America is here to help; Todd talks with Jeff Smith to find out what’s hot in auto upgrades.

With over 4,000 dealers, AAMP provide a wide range of after-market upgrades, with rear-view cameras and parking assistance being popular options. To keep up with manufacturer offerings AAMP does its own design and development to make sure its own products match or exceed the OEM products.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Eliptic Labs add Ultrasonic Gesture Controls to Devices at CES

CES 2015, Video, , , ,

EllipticLabs logoThe touch interface goes back as far as the early days of mobile devices to the Apple Newton and Palm Organiser. Elliptic Labs now add non-touch to the mobile user interface with ultrasound gesture recognition. Todd gets a demo from Laila Danielson, CEO.

Elliptic Labs use an ultrasonic speaker to create a sonic field around the mobile device. Moving a hand in front of the device creates ultrasonic echoes which are picked up by microphones and the changes in echo patterns are converted into gestures. For example, waving a hand from left to right scrolls a picture gallery. Moving a hand closer to the phone brings up additional information on a film or movie.

It’s currently a prototype device being shown to OEMs so expect the technology to appear on mobile devices in the next year or two.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Schneider Optics adds High-Quality Lenses to Smartphones at CES

CES 2015, Video, , , , ,

Schneider LogoDigital pictures and smartphone cams have changed the photography industry beyond recognition in the last twenty years and the quality of this imagery is such that innovative filmmakers are using iPhones to record footage. One restriction remains and that is the lens itself; there’s only one and it’s fixed in place. But Schneider Optics might have a solution. Todd finds out more from Don.

Schneider Optics iPro Lens systems provides a selection of high quality optical lenses for Apple iPhones and the Samsung Galaxy S4, including macro, wide-angle, super wide, tele and fisheye. The system works by fitting the smartphone itself into a case and then mounting the lens onto the case with a bayonet connector to ensure the best possible alignment.

The iPro Lens is available now for the Samsung Galaxy S4, iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5/5S. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus variant will be on sale shortly. Lenses cost from $39 to $99, the case is $31 and there are also kits available.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Corning Brings Protective Glass and Long Cables to CES

CES 2015, Video, , , ,

Corning Logo

Corning are famous for their glass-based products, most notably Serengeti Drivers sunglasses and Gorilla Glass screens which protect the majority of mobile devices on the planet. Todd gets a hands-on demonstration of Corning’s latest products from Jon Pesansky and Gabriela Allen.

This year sees  come to market which roughly doubles the height a phone could fall without screen damage. Alternatively, the glass can be made thinner for the same level of survivability and a 0.4 mm thick piece of Gorilla Glass 4 is the same as a 0.55 mm of Gorilla Glass 3.

Partly as a result of the high data transfer rates, the maximum length of Thunderbolt and USB3 electrical cables is only a few metres. To address this, Corning have developed fibre versions of these cables which can run longer distances and put up with the abuse typically associated with plugging and unplugging cables. They don’t come cheap with a 5.5 m Thunderbolt cable costing $179 and a 10m USB3 cable costing $109. Available now.

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

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More