Tag Archives: mobile

Snyper: Empowering communities through social shopping @ CES 2024

February 11, 2024CES 2024, Computers, Mobileaffiliate, ces2024, gadgets, internet, mobile, shopping, social, social mediaPLUGHITZ Live

A groundbreaking social shopping application is transforming the landscape of affiliate marketing by establishing an equitable and inclusive platform for individuals to monetize product endorsements. The creators of this application, known as Snyper, identified the prevailing influence of major influencers in the existing market and sought to extend opportunities to all, encompassing friends, family, and community members, to engage in affiliate marketing.

Social shopping app revolutionizes affiliate marketing

The application showcases a feed where users can peruse and observe products that their connections have purchased. This engenders a sense of trust and familiarity, as users can depend on the endorsements of individuals they know and trust. For instance, a user is more likely to trust a five-star review from a well-known acquaintance who frequently travels and stays at resorts, and consider booking the same resort.

In addition to this, the application furnishes supplementary information about the product, such as product specifics, related products, and amenities. This empowers users to make informed decisions before making a purchase. Upon deciding to book a product, users have the option to pay using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency. The application monitors the user’s journey and the sources that influenced them to make the purchase.

Affiliate marketing for all

A key innovation of Snyper is the affiliate fee system. Vendors can designate a percentage as an affiliate fee for each product they offer. When a user makes a purchase through the application, this fee is divided between the individual who directly influenced the purchase and others who indirectly contributed to the user’s decision. For example, if a user clicked on a link shared by a friend and made a purchase, the friend would receive a larger portion of the affiliate fee, while others who also shared the product would receive smaller portions.

This social shopping application is revolutionizing affiliate marketing by democratizing the process. It eradicates the necessity for individuals to own a website or a substantial following on major platforms to participate in affiliate marketing. Instead, it emphasizes the power of personal connections and word-of-mouth endorsements. By providing everyone the opportunity to earn money through product endorsements, Snyper is fostering a more inclusive and equitable affiliate marketing ecosystem.

Passive income through everyday activities

Snyper allows users to monetize their lifestyle by simply doing what they already do on a daily basis. Whether it’s ordering a burger, buying new shoes online, or shopping for everyday items, users can earn passive income by doing these activities on the Snyper platform. The app acts as a middleman, connecting users with businesses and brands that are looking for product recommendations and reviews.

The slogan of Snyper, “monetize your lifestyle, influence to earn,” encapsulates the essence of the platform. It emphasizes the idea that users can continue to live their lives as they normally would, but by using the Snyper app, they can turn their everyday activities into a source of passive income. The app taps into the power of personal influence and word-of-mouth recommendations, recognizing that everyone has the potential to inspire others through their actions.

When can I use Snyper?

In terms of release, Snyper plans to launch on both the App Store and Google Play. The initial focus will be on Argentina, with plans to expand throughout South America. The founders acknowledge that building a successful platform will require hard work, dedication, and effort. They are aware that they are not a large conglomerate with massive resources, but they are committed to making Snyper a success through growth hacking strategies.

Conclusion: A new approach to affiliate marketing

In conclusion, Snyper is a social shopping app that enables users to earn passive income through their everyday activities. By leveraging personal influence and word-of-mouth recommendations, users can monetize their lifestyle and become affiliate marketers without the need for a website. With its upcoming launch in South America, Snyper aims to empower individuals to earn passive income and create meaningful connections between users and businesses.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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myFirst: Real tech solutions for kids in a grown-up world @ CES 2024

January 29, 2024Cameras, CES 2024, Mobilecameras, ces2024, gadgets, kids, mobile, security, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

myFirst kids' tech products In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in our lives, and it has become an integral part of our daily routines. However, the benefits and opportunities offered by technology should not be limited to adults only. Children, too, deserve access to real tech that empowers them to explore, learn, and create. myFirst has embraced this reality and developed tech products that are fully functional but designed for kids.

The birth of myFirst

myFirst is a company dedicated to creating a kids’ tech ecosystem. The inspiration behind this venture was the realization that there was a gap in the market for real technology designed specifically for children. The founders, who were tech-savvy individuals themselves, embarked on a mission to empower kids by providing them with devices, apps, and a social platform that mirrors what adults can do with technology.

Kid-friendly camera with social sharing

One of the innovative products offered by myFirst is a kid-friendly camera with social sharing capabilities. This camera is designed specifically for children, with a focus on simplicity, durability, and safety. The company understands that children have unique needs and considerations when it comes to technology, and they have created a camera that addresses these needs effectively.

The camera is lightweight and easy to use, with simple buttons and a user-friendly interface. This ensures that children can operate the camera without confusion or frustration. Additionally, the camera is built to withstand the rough handling that is often associated with children. It is robustly built and durable, making it suitable for active kids who may drop or throw it unintentionally.

One of the standout features of this camera is its social sharing capabilities. Children can choose which photos they want to share on social media platforms, giving them control over their digital presence. The camera automatically syncs photos to both the SD card and the cloud, allowing for easy access and sharing. This feature encourages children to engage responsibly with social media and teaches them the importance of privacy and consent.

In terms of pricing, the camera is reasonably priced at around $100 US. This makes it accessible to a wide range of families and ensures that quality technology is not limited to adults. myFirst understands the importance of affordability when it comes to empowering children with tech devices, and they have made it a priority to offer their products at a reasonable price point.

The camera is designed to be cloud-based, meaning that it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity for storage and access. While the camera itself may have limited storage capacity, the cloud-based system allows for easy uploading and access to photos. This ensures that children can capture and store as many memories as they want without worrying about running out of space.

A Smartphone with smart limitations

myFirst also offers a wearable smartphone for kids, which is 4G driven and allows for even more connectivity and functionality. The smartphone is designed to be durable and waterproof, making it suitable for active kids who may engage in water-related activities. The smartphone operates on an eSIM, eliminating the need for an open hole and ensuring that it is water-resistant.

In terms of connectivity and plans, myFirst has partnered with AT&T to offer a $12 per month plan that includes unlimited data and calls. This allows parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child’s connectivity needs are taken care of without any additional costs or limitations.

Empowering features and parental control

myFirst’s devices are accompanied by a social platform that allows children to connect with their peers and share their creations. However, the company recognizes the importance of parental intervention and provides robust parental control features. Parents have control over who can contact their child and can moderate the content their child sees. This ensures a safe and secure online environment for children while still allowing them the freedom to explore and connect with others within predetermined circles of trust.

The social media platform associated with the camera and smartphone can be accessed through the smartwatch or downloaded as an app on Apple or Android devices. This allows children to engage with the platform using devices they may already have, such as smartphones or tablets. Parents have control over their child’s account and can determine how much information is shared, ensuring privacy and safety.

The importance of empowering children through real technology

The concept of “real tech for kids’ empowerment” holds significant importance in today’s society. Empowering children with age-appropriate technology not only enhances their digital literacy but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By providing children with real tech devices, they can actively participate in the digital world, learn about technology’s potential, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the future.

The response to myFirst’s products has been positive, with a strong presence in North Asia and a growing interest in the US market. The company’s commitment to quality, durability, and affordability has resonated with parents and children alike, making them a trusted brand in the industry.

Conclusion: A safe, fun, appropriate approach to tech for kids

myFirst’s commitment to providing real tech for kids’ empowerment is a commendable initiative in the tech industry. By bridging the gap between adult-oriented technology and children’s needs, the company enables children to explore their potential, express their creativity, and engage responsibly with technology.

Empowering children with real tech devices and a safe social platform not only prepares them for the digital future but also allows them to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving world of technology. By providing a safe and user-friendly platform for children to engage with technology and social media, myFirst is empowering the next generation to become responsible digital citizens. Their commitment to quality and affordability ensures that children from all backgrounds can benefit from their innovative products.

To learn more about myFirst or to purchase one of their products, head to their website or check out their Amazon store.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Skyted: The Solution for Secure and Private Conversations @ CES 2024

January 24, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Computers, Entertainment, Gadgets, Travelces2024, gadgets, gaming, mask, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted security mask During CES 2024, we got to take a look at the latest version of the Skyted mask, which is a sound-absorbing mask that allows users to make completely silent and confidential calls anywhere at any time. The mask has been developed to solve the problem of people talking loudly in public places, such as trains and airplanes, and disturbing those around them.

Silent, secure mask for confidential calls

The mask features resonators developed by The French Aerospace Lab that absorb all frequencies of the user’s voice, preventing any sound from escaping the mask.

The purpose of the mask goes beyond simply preventing disturbance to others. It also addresses concerns about espionage and the need for secure and confidential calls. All data and voice emitted from the mask are encrypted, ensuring that no information is leaked. The encryption process starts from the microphone and continues through third-party carriers, providing a high level of security.

The mask not only provides a solution for confidential calls but also ensures that the user’s location and surroundings are not revealed during the conversation. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to maintain privacy while making calls, such as those on vacation or conducting business in different locations.

In terms of connectivity, the mask can be used with either wired or Bluetooth connections. It offers both a jack and USB-C port for different user preferences. This flexibility allows users to connect the mask to their devices easily.

The Skyted mask is described as a travel-friendly device that can easily be carried in bags. It is noted that the mask is not just another ordinary face mask, but a specialized product with a specific purpose. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the purpose of the mask and its potential benefits.

The target market for the Skyted mask includes frequent travelers, such as business people who spend a lot of time on airplanes and trains. It is also suitable for commuters who want to make calls during their daily travels, saving them time by starting their calls earlier. Additionally, the mask is useful for individuals who want to have private conversations in their vehicles, as it cancels out both their voice and external noise.
In terms of cost and availability, the podcast does not provide specific information. However, it suggests that the mask is targeted at a range of customers, including frequent travelers and commuters. The availability and pricing details would need to be obtained separately.

An upgraded model

This is not the first time we have seen the Skyted mask at CES. In 2023, we were first introduced to Skyted, but the device we saw never made it to market. Since then, the company has redesigned the mask to address feedback from those who saw it in action.

The design of the mask has been slimmed down and the weight has been reduced, making it more comfortable to wear. The technology has also been upgraded to cancel out even low frequencies, which are harder to eliminate.

Conclusion

Overall, the Skyted mask offers a unique solution for individuals who require silent and secure communication. With its sound-absorbing technology and encryption capabilities, it provides a way to have confidential conversations without disturbing others or compromising data security. This innovative product has the potential to revolutionize the way people make calls in public spaces and ensure their privacy and security.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Skyted is a noise isolation mask for calls and streaming @ CES 2023

January 25, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsces2023, gadgets, gaming, livestream, mobile, phone, smartphonePLUGHITZ Live

Skyted Noise Isolation Mask Too often these days, we are forced into places that are not conducive to conversation. This is exacerbated when you’re on the phone or computer. This happens because microphones, in general, do not discriminate between sounds. These microphones pick up whatever sound they hear and push it to the other side of the call. In a loud area, this means it’s nearly impossible for the person on the other side of the call to hear anything you say. This is the problem that Skyted is hoping to solve.

What is Skyted?

Skyted is a headset, of sorts, intended to improve sound quality while in a loud environment. At first sight, it might appear to be a little odd. However, the design is well-tested for years. That’s because the device is modeled after the systems used on fighter jets. The device fits over the mouth as a full mask, allowing for sound to be isolated and directed toward the microphone.

Skyted is different than other headsets because it is designed to block out background noise. This means that when you are in a loud environment, such as a game center, or simply talking on the phone in public, your sound will be isolated and clear for the people you’re speaking with.

Other headsets may attempt to filter out environmental sounds, but they are limited in what they can do. With the Skyted headset, you can be sure that your sound is clear and crisp even in a loud environment.

Who is Skyted for?

One of the great strengths of Skyted is its versatility. Because the mask microphone is designed to work with Bluetooth, it can be used for a variety of purposes. The original purpose is to allow for public phone calls – limiting the background noise, but also preventing people around you from having to listen.

In the past few years, however, other types of public calls have become commonplace. in particular, Teams and Zoom calls have become a regular part of doing business, especially while traveling. But, working in public has become a normal situation, even for those not traveling.

In addition, gaming in public has become more common. Gaming centers, like our friends at STRYKE eSports in Tampa, are popping up in more places. Online gaming is enhanced by live chat, which is equally difficult in public. But, with the Skyted system, you can chat with other players without having to hide in a pod and without disrupting the gamers around you.

Another aspect of public speech where the Skyted can really be a benefit is streaming. Obviously, if you’re streaming a game in a game center, the benefits are clear. However, there’s a lot of In Real Life (IRL) streaming, where people stream their experiences with games outside of a studio. This applies to games like Pokémon GO, where you have to be in the wild to play. Once again, this device will help you isolate yourself from the people around you while streaming.

Summary

Skyted is planning to be made available through pre-orders starting in March 2023. To learn more about Skyted or to pre-order one for yourself, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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MetaVRse: Bringing the future of mixed reality to you @ CES 2022

March 3, 2022CES 2022, Mobileces2022, gadgets, metaverse, mobile, virtual office, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

MetaVRse Thanks to Meta (formerly Facebook), the term metaverse became the hot new buzzword. But, what is the metaverse and how does it work? For most, it is believed to require special hardware to create an immersive experience. However, that is not always the case. In fact, MetaVRse has a concept that will allow you to join in right from your tablet or computer.

What is MetaVRse?

MetaVRse is the future of mixed reality. It’s a code-optional platform that makes it easy to create and share interactive 3D experiences instantly on the web. With the platform, anyone can be a creator. You don’t need any coding experience – just make your experience in MetaVRse Studio, and it will deploy across multiple operating systems, browsers, and devices. The company is bringing the future of XR to you.

MetaVRse is based on web technology, so it runs in your browser without any special hardware required. You can access the platform from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. MetaVRse uses WebXR – a standard for how browsers should work with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) devices. MetaVRse is also built on the Metaverse SDK, which makes it easy to create & share interactive experiences without any coding experience.

MetaVRse works with any VR, AR, or MR device. It is currently available on the web and mobile devices (iOS and Android) but will be coming to other platforms soon.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual world that you can explore, interact with, and create. It’s a shared space where people can come together to socialize, play games, and work on projects. Think of it as a cross between the internet and reality – a place where you can be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do.

While many speak of it as a single experience, there are multiple approaches to the concept. Each one has its own ecosystem, as well as system requirements. Meta’s metaverse runs natively on the company’s Oculus hardware. Microsoft’s metaverse implementation lives mostly within Teams for now but will expand into Xbox and more. MetaVRse brings the concept outside of a locked ecosystem and into the wild, through browser-based interaction.

What Can I Do in MetaVRse?

In MetaVRse, you can socialize with friends, play games, work on projects, and explore the Metaverse. You can also create your own experiences to share with others. It is a great way to connect with people from all over the world and explore new things together.

MetaVRse is also a great place to shop. You can find items that are not available in the real world, or you can buy items from the Metaverse to use in the real world. The ecosystem has a wide variety of shops and products to choose from.

Summary

MetaVRse is changing the way we interact with the world. With its easy-to-use platform and code-optional design, anyone can be a creator. To learn more about the platform and how you can get involved, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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TTcare: App service that keeps pets healthy and happy @ CES 2022

January 29, 2022CES 2022, Healthces2022, gadgets, Health, mobile, petPLUGHITZ Live

TTcare healthy pet tech Of course, we all want to know if our pets are happy and healthy, but how can we be sure that we are doing enough?

Every year we get a front-row seat to the latest and greatest pet care items. And many times, what we see are merely reinventions or simple improvements upon tech and gadgets that already exist. But this year we were able to witness a brand new use of technology that just may end up being a game-changer when it comes to the health of our beloved pets.

What is TTcare?

Created by AI FOR PET, TTcarehas developed an AI technology-based app service that allows anyone to quickly and easily check in on the health of their pets. TTcare is the first mobile application in the world that can help to determine whether a disease may exist right at home without the need for any expensive or special equipment. Their business model and technology are currently patent pending and this unique app is the first product of this kind to be officially approved by the Korean government for an “Artificial Intelligence-based medical device software for animals” rather than as a general pet service.

How TTcare Works

How is this even possible, you ask? We had the exact same question. Basically, AI FOR PET has been able to build out a custom technology within their app that is able to detect certain diseases via analyzing pictures of the pets’ eyes or skin. This brand new usage of photo recognition technology is based on an image recognition algorithm that can detect specific abnormalities. Not only can this information help give pet owners a heads up to potential health concerns, but it can also be used to help veterinarians diagnose diseases at early stages, which is crucial for effective treatment.

TTcare is the first mobile application in the world to determine whether a disease exists by using something as simple as a photograph of the family pet. TTcare not only helps keep your furry friends healthy and happy, but it also makes checking on their health so much easier than ever before! And although this technology, at first glance, appears to be too amazing to be true. It simply joins a much longer list in the preventive healthcare arena, such as glucose, oxygen level, and even sleep monitoring. So to them, it was a natural next step to take this type of health detection to the next level by offering convenient and simple in-home monitoring of the health of our furry companions.

Benefits of TTcare

There are many benefits to using TTcare. It provides for easy and simple checkups that can be done from anywhere in the world! These checkups can be performed by anyone, regardless of whether they have a veterinary background or not. It can also prevent diseases from spreading and allows for early diagnosis and treatment.

How You Can Use TTcare

The TTcare app is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play and is very easy to use. Once you have downloaded the app, you can create an account and start taking pictures, with step-by-step instructions and guidance, of your pet’s eyes and skin. TTcare will automatically analyze the pictures and provide you with information on whether your pet has any potential diseases. You can then take this information to seek your veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.

Summary

The TTcare app is available now in the mobile app stores. To learn more about the platform and download the app, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Quantiq: Turn any camera or phone into a medical scanner @ CES 2022

January 20, 2022CES 2022, Gadgets, Health, Mobilecameras, ces2022, gadgets, Health, mobilePLUGHITZ Live

Quantiq medical scanner Over the past few years, the importance of telemedicine has grown significantly. What was once considered forbidden is now commonplace. We can talk to a doctor remotely, send vital statistics from home, and even have a full checkup all remotely. Our phones have become an integral part of our health regiment, and with Quantiq, it’s going to become an even more valuable tool for patients and doctors alike.

What is Quantiq?

Quantiq turns any camera or phone into a medical scanner. This software solution extends any camera, webcam, or smartphone to make it a medical device for remote patient monitoring, telemetry, and remote diagnoses. The system combines medical expertise, physics, advanced image processing, and artificial intelligence to decode your health markers with just your camera. A single shot of a few seconds is enough to get pulse, respiratory rate, and more.

This impressive breakthrough means that a patient doesn’t need to purchase a whole collection of devices to monitor their health. Rather than requiring a pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and more, it can all be done with the camera you already carry in your pocket. You simply take a short video of a few seconds and

Who is Quantiq for?

Quantiq is perfect for any doctor who needs to monitor a patient remotely. Rather than lending or leasing expensive, complicated, and damageable equipment to a patient, you can simply ask them to use their own phone or computer. This makes it easier for them and less expensive for the doctor. Plus, it means they don’t have to learn a new piece of equipment.

It would also be great to offer to patients of in-home health services. For example, after a heart attack, a family member will likely have a home health aide visit regularly. They’ll take vital signs and log them into a system. If you’re lucky, they might even give you equipment to take measurements on your own when they are away. If they, instead, used the Quantiq platform, they could eliminate the extra equipment costs by just using the phone camera or webcam the patient already has. Plus, it’s something they are already familiar with using.

You can install the system locally on-premises for just your clients, or you can use it in the cloud in a software as a service model. Either way, you get access to the full suite of capabilities, all accessible through a robust Cobox API. This gives you the ability to build the Quantiq technology into your own application suite to enhance its capabilities. Perhaps you are a consumer electronics company that offers things like scales and smart mirrors. You could add Quantiq into your system to provide additional health benefits without having to enhance your technology. The camera that is built into the mirror would likely be enough to be able to get a clear video for analysis. This would make the value proposition of your product significantly better.

Summary

Quantiq is the perfect tool for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and health care products. To learn more about Quantiq and how you might use it, check out their website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Mobix Labs: Improving 5G millimeter band technology @ CES 2022

January 15, 2022CES 2022, Mobile5g, automobile, autonomous vehicle, ces2022, gadgets, lte, mobile, vehiclePLUGHITZ Live

Mobix Labs 5G millimeter band technology Mobix Labs is a fabless semiconductor company focused on developing highly innovative RF and mixed-signal components and solutions for 5G millimeter band technology. Led by a team of highly experienced and accomplished industry executives, Mobix Labs is establishing itself as the go-to leader of RF, mixed-signal, antenna components, and solutions for the sub-GHz 5GNR market and beyond.

What does Mobix Labs do?

Their comprehensive product offerings include mmWave 5G ICs, modules, and antennas. They are designed to make it easier for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop products with best-in-class performance. With over two decades of experience in the wireless industry, Mobix Labs has the knowledge and expertise to help OEMs bring their next-generation products to market quickly and efficiently.

5G millimeter band technology is the next big thing in wireless communications. Mobix Labs is leading the charge in developing innovative products and solutions for this growing market. Their comprehensive product offerings include mmWave 5G ICs, modules, and antennas that are designed to make it easier for OEMs to develop products with best-in-class performance.

The True 5G Solutions from Mobix Labs are essential to unlocking the unprecedented levels of performance and speed promised by 5G. With its advanced research and development capabilities, Mobix Labs is well-positioned to provide leadership in this important technological area.

Where can the technology be used?

Currently, the company is focused on the infrastructure market. That means that the chips are intended to be used in the technology that makes it possible for you to get 5G signals. This includes the cellular towers installed by the carriers, repeaters installed by carriers, and small repeaters installed by businesses and individuals.

This focus means that you could be interacting with the company’s technology every day without even knowing it. This is because these chips and radios are responsible for the high-end 5G signal strength available on your phone. Their chips could be at the tops of tall cellular towers, but it could also be built into smaller form devices, like the cellular repeaters that many cities are having installed on the tops of telephone poles around town to enhance cellular reception.

The need for this much infrastructure is because of the nature of the frequencies used for mmWave 5G. The higher frequency used makes it possible for incredibly fast internet speeds, but is more susceptible to interference from everyday items, like walls. Our tests show about 8x speed in our offices over standard 5G on the same device. But these increased speeds are limited to Mission Control and are not available in the studio – likely because of the thicker walls, additional lights, and equipment.

However, this focus on infrastructure does not negate the technology’s other uses. In fact, the company has been in discussions about other implementations, including vehicles. Cars and trucks are more regularly using 5G technology for communication, both to the internet, as well as direct communication between one another. This allows for software updates to the vehicle’s systems, as well as the ability for it to know about what other cars and trucks around it are intending to do.

To learn more about Mobix Labs and their 5G mmWave technology, visit the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Fixbid wants to save you from bad home renovations @ CES 2021

March 1, 2021CES 2021, Homeces2021, gadgets, home, mobilePLUGHITZ Live

Fixbid contractor hiring tool Finding a quality and trustworthy contractor can be an absolute nightmare. Almost everyone who has done home remodeling work has a story about someone involved in the project who was or caused a problem. When my family built an add-on to the house, we ended up with a large collection of issues (we still have one door we can’t use nearly 30 years later). But, the mobile app Fixbid wants those issues to be a thing of the past.

There have been contractor rating platforms before, but they never quite work. The problem has always been that the scores come exclusively from customers. And who takes the time to review someone? Unhappy customers or people being incentivized. Joe Lycett showed just how easy it is to become the top water purification system on Trust Pilot without ever having a product. The process is far too easy to game, making the scores fairly useless.

Fixbid set out to fix this problem by using actual certification metrics. Rather than just hoping that customer reviews are accurate (which they are not), Fixbid uses the American Rating Company as its basis. All contractors that are listed on the system are all Diamond Certified Contractors, giving a higher level of confidence in hiring them.

Of course, the goal of the platform is to help you pair up with a contractor that offers the service you need, whether it be electrical, plumbing, solar, and more. You can find, communicate, and even pay for the services all through Fixbid.

The service is currently available in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, with plans to expand that service area in the future. To learn more about the service or explore the available contractors, head to the Fixbid website. From there, you can register and download the app.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Signal Cortex simplifies task management for staff & managers @ CES 2021

February 8, 2021CES 2021, Gadgetsces2021, communications, gadgets, internet, mobilePLUGHITZ Live

Signal Cortex task management Matt Crowley CEO of the start-up, Signal Cortex, is the former CIO for Philadelphia and Cleveland airports. During his time with the airports, he became accustomed to working in complex situations with large traffic flows and heavy background work done by frontline employees – everything from mopping floors to moving chairs around to directing customers. Current systems for managing these tasks, he says, are very complicated. For example, for janitorial staff trying to clean up a spill, they need to carry multiple devices and complete a long questionnaire after completing their task, so management can make proper deployment decisions going forward. It is a messy system with inconsistent results.

Signal Cortex addresses the bulkiness of these challenges through a system they’ve developed that simplifies complex enterprise environments, getting tasks to staff members more easily and results back to management more efficiently, to help them make better logistical decisions. The company’s first product is a simple phone app that can use commodity Bluetooth devices and convert routine tasks that employees need to do into audio-based notifications.

The system automatically dispatches and manages work for individuals, groups, or teams, empowers staff by streamlining data collection, reduces training time and process complexity, and is easy for everyone from staff to management to use.

Originally developed for airports, Signal Cortex pivoted because of COVID-19 and redirected their enterprise solution as a building management tool for building service contractors. Building service contractors typically lose half of their customers each year due to bad data, says Crowley, with either employees not receiving information about their tasks, or failing to report the tasks completed, resulting in dissatisfied customers. Their solution eliminates both those problems.

Ultimately Signal Cortex views itself as both a business and a consumer product as well. The company officially launched publicly at the end of January.

To learn more about Signal Cortex, visit their website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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