Tag Archives: CES2016

Ford SYNC 3 Drives Choice at CES

Auto, CES 2016, , ,

Ford LogoThe third iteration of Ford’s SYNC in-car communication and entertainment system, SYNC 3, came into the dealer showrooms during 2015 in the latest “2016” vehicles. At CES, further updates were announced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration available as a user OTA upgrade. Todd and Marlo go for a ride with Kenneth Williams from Ford.

The new SYNC 3 gives choice to consumers, supporting both iOS and Android. SYNC 3 automatically chooses what to launch based on the connected device, so if the phone is an iPhone, then it’s CarPlay, if it’s a Nexus, then Android Auto. The AppLink technology works with over 90 app providers to launch apps from the attached smartphone but display on the SYNC console. Consequently the owner gets the experience that they’re used to on their phone or tablet.

The AppLink protocol is being opened up and made available to other car manufacturers and Toyota is already on board. It’s an interesting move and could be a major benefit to consumers as it creates a standard in the market that app developers can work to.

Todd Cochrane is the host of the twice-weekly Geek News Central Podcast at GeekNewsCentral.com and Marlo Anderson rounds up the latest technology news at The Tech Ranch.

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Charge Your Devices and Organize Your Desk with ChargeHub

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chargehubIf you are anything like me, you’ve got lots of battery-powered devices that you use every day: phones, headphones, tablets, keyboards and more. This scenario creates two big problems, though: too many cords plugged into outlets everywhere and devices al over your desk. That is where ChargeHub comes in, helping to solve both of these problems.

The product is theoretically simple: a single place to charge all of your devices. The promise, however, comes from the implementation. A very small device with a lot of power and even more ports allows you to plug the single device into the wall and charge multiple devices. The original puck, available now in multiple colors, charges 7 devices at once, but that is not for everyone.

This year, the company is announcing two smaller versions which charge 3 and 5 devices instead of the 7. These new devices allow for a variety of price points, with $20 for the 3 port, $40 for the 5 port and $60 for the existing 7 port. The new devices should be available in March 2016 directly from the company as well as physical and online retail.

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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Waterproof, Drop-Proof, Extended Battery Life? Oh My!

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lifeproof-freLife Proof is starting off strong this year with their FRE POWER battery case made for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. This case provides a waterproof and drop-proof design with a new extended built-in battery pack. The case is waterproof under 6.6 feet submerged and can last up to an hour. It is also drop proof for up to 6.6 feet.

The new extended battery feature offers a quick and simple design. To charge your phone, simply flip it over and press a button for double the battery capacity. This is the first time ever for Life Proof to be selling a battery extending case for plus sized phones.

Life Proof is also selling their new active-wear called LifeActiv. LifeActiv is made for all phones as long as you apply the quick mount adapter on the back of your case. This adapter works with Life Proof’s arm band, bike mount and suction cup car mount and allows easy access to your phone or device at all times. Just snap on your device to attach and to remove it, turn your device 90 degrees.

LifeActiv products are available now. The retail value for the accessories range between $40 and $50. You could also find the new regular sized phone case for $129.99. The Plus sized version is expected to come out at the end of the quarter for $149.99.

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Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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A New Fashionable Twist on Wireless Earbuds

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , ,

helixcuffAre you tired of constantly untangling your headphones after getting them out of their case, possibly breaking them in the process? The Helix Cuff is made for you.

The Helix Cuff is the first wearable bracelet that can easily transform into Bluetooth earbuds on the go without the usual tangled mess. Put it back in its original form for convenient storage and a fashionable bracelet. No need to lose your headphones in your bag or purse any longer. As a Bluetooth device, it can connect to two separate devices at one time.

The product will ship in March so go order yours now. The Black and White Helix Cuff is selling for $199. If you are more into a flashier red version, the 24 Gold Plated Edition is selling for $299.

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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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Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Tech Meets Tennis with Tennibot

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , , , , ,

tennibotCool new tech is always fun, but when it marries two of your favorite things, it’s love at first sight. That’s exactly what this new robot did for our very own Daniele Mendez. In the last 4-5 years, she has spent countless hours on both the tennis courts as well as working alongside her robotics team, so she absolutely could not resist this product.

Tennibot is a smart robotic tennis ball collector that scoots around the tennis court, picking up all of your practice tennis balls. Not only does it take the grunt work out of picking up the balls by hand so you have more time to practice, but it also looks cool in the process. With the price point starting at $399 for the personal version and up to $1,699 for the larger club version, they are looking forward to being able to ship by the end of 2016.

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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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Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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iOttie is Taking Wireless Charging to the Next Level and Winning Awards in 2016

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , , , , , , ,

iOttie-IONEach year, we love to see the new advancements with wireless Qi technology, and this year did not disappoint. Our resident college student, Daniele, was on the hunt for new cell phone accessories and enjoyed speaking with Andrew from iOtte.

Of particular interest was their iON phone case which brings wireless charging capabilities to the iPhone 6 and 6s. Its sturdy design includes easy access to the headphone jack and data port while allowing wireless charging on any Qi enabled surface. Another new product is their innovative charging desk pad that simultaneously charges a power bank that can be taken along with you on the go, to charge any of your devices.

One of our favorite products this year is a new car mount that offers one touch lock and release technology for easy and convenient wireless charging in the car. This combines their already popular window mount with the ease of wireless charging.

Prices begin at $49.95 for the iON phone case and $69.95 for the Easy One Touch Qi Standard Car Mount Charger. Look for the new deck pad to be available in Spring 2016.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Welcome to the Eureka! Factory, where great programs, projects, events and creative spaces and places happen!
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Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Oasis Introduces Unique Headphones Without any Headphones

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , , , ,

oasisOasis headphones by Audasis offer a different look, feel and customization to the ever-competing market of noise-canceling headphones.

For starters, Oasis actually augments your existing, favorite earbuds and not only reduce ambient noise, but also add bluetooth technology to make them wireless. They aim for a sleek, clean look as there are invisible buttons and no ports on the headphones. The eco-friendly device features 20-to-30 useable hours of battery life and CEO Phil Diamond said they plan on shipping with zero packaging. Instead, the headphones will come in a protective case that can charge the Oasis, wireless dongle and up to two devices by way of a USB port simultaneously. The case also features a customizable e-ink display and its lock is app controlled.

Diamond said the target price for the headphones is $150 and are aiming to be shipped by the fourth quarter of 2016. Oasis is coming soon to Kickstarter and more information can be found at audasis.com.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Let Your Smartphone by Your Guide with Latitude

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , ,

latitudetoursNavigating a convention floor such as CES is a difficult task on its own, so imaging trying to find your way through a place such as New York City for the first time. However, the mobile app Latitude is aiming to make touring even simpler.

Latitude is a mobile solution for finding your way through even the largest destinations as it partners with independent tour guides around the world. The app allows those guides to create their own digital tour, which users can access on their smartphone. CEO Brody Horton said the app will offer some free content, but $15 will unlock the entire catalogue for a 24-hour period.

Set for release on both Android and IOS, Horton said the app is targeting content for New York, London and Paris first by March with more areas to be added. Both consumers and guides can learn more at the company website.

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Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Welcome to the Eureka! Factory, where great programs, projects, events and creative spaces and places happen!
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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Solar Cooking Inspired by Water Heaters: The GoSun Stove

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , , , ,

GoSunGrill_HeroShotWhen you’re installing solar water heaters and it’s time for lunch, you start getting ideas about how you can cook. GoSun Stove was created originally using the solar pipes installed on roofs and can cook a meal without anything other than the sun. The popularity for campers has created a problem, though: how do you feed a family?

This year the company has introduced a larger model which can cook 4 meals and even includes the ability to cook off of stored electricity, either wall or solar-based, for cooking at night. The new GoSun Grill is available for pre-order now for $599 with summer 2016 availability.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Welcome to the Eureka! Factory, where great programs, projects, events and creative spaces and places happen!
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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Don’t Get Caught in the Rain with Oombrella

CES 2016, Gadgets, , , ,

oombrellaIf you live in a place like Florida, it is not unusual to get caught in a rain storm you had no idea was coming. In this case, your only options are always carry an umbrella for those random storms or risk getting wet in the middle of the day.

Oombrella is here to make those situations a thing of the past. Using embedded circuitry, this umbrella can detect atmospheric changes and recommend that you bring the umbrella with you to prevent these issues. To enhance this feature, the device communicates with Wezzoo’s existing weather service, adding additional data points to the prediction.

If you’ve ever left your umbrella behind, Oombrella will alert you when it loses connection to your smartphone. Then you can return to the restaurant or wherever you were, to get your umbrella back.

A Kickstarter will begin soon with expected general availability in the fall of 2016.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Welcome to the Eureka! Factory, where great programs, projects, events and creative spaces and places happen!
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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