All posts by Andy McCaskey

Cloud Browser Keeps Experience Consistent Across Devices



MaxthonWe interact with a variety of screens, but now there is no easy way to make sure that information appears consistently from one device to another. The Maxthon Cloud Browser  solves that problem, and allows you to seamlessly access information from desktop, smartphone or tablet. Your history, tabs, downloads and bookmarks are available regardless of which device you use to access the internet.

Maxthon Cloud works on Windows PC, Mac, Android and iOS. Each platform supported by Maxthon Cloud is closely and cohesively interlocked through Maxthon’s innovative cloud engine, C4, a cloud-based application that uploads, downloads and syncs users’ web browsing between their devices. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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Take Your Mobile Where Others Fear to Tread



LifeProofFinding device covers that really offer waterproofing (as opposed to water resistance) can be a challenge. Lifeproof has concentrated on making devices into truly water capable – testing to at least six feet submersion. The camera lens covers are glass, intended for rugged adventure in places where a camera is not normally found. In a consumer application, this allows parents to get into the pool with their kids while shooting photos or video, and go underwater, without concern on damage of the smartphone. It is available for the iPhone4/4S and iPhone 5, as well as the iPad 2.

The same technology especially important to the medical environment: the multi-touch capability of the iPad is an essential part of the operation, which has become part of the standard kit for emergency responders. Lifeproof has adapted their technology to insure that this capability is not compromised by the protective case. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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The Cloud Connected Car – Viper’s Smart-Start



ViperLogoJust in time for the winter season, Viper’s new Smart-Start brings smartphone power to the rescue ! Remote car starting systems are now tied in with an iPhone app, allowing you to have that car warm and toasty (or air conditioned as needed). Of course, being cloud based, it can control vehicles that are located anywhere within GSM wireless range. Dual systems can provide control of different makes of automobiles, from the same app and account. You can also monitor driving habits of teen drivers, interacting with the GPS system in the unit or clearly show the location of the vehicle if it is stolen. You can program ‘hot spots’ that report if your teenager leaves town or goes into a zone that parents have on their list of concerns. If you return from a flight to a snow covered vehicle, you can start remotely and get vectored directly to the vehicle Fees are $3 per month per vehicle for the basic plan, with units beginning at $300.  TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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Dishwasher Safe Keyboard for Hospital or Home



SealShieldLogoSeal Shield has specialized in waterproofing keyboards for demanding medical and industrial environments – which means that it can take out any abuse that the family computer keyboard might have to endure at the hands of pre-schoolers or careless teenagers. At CES2013, the company introduced the 100% waterproof iPhone case, including waterproof earbuds permitting the user to listen to music while underwater. There is a full selection of mice, keyboards and accessories. The products are ruggedized for industrial and healthcare use, and are fully warranted. SealShield is a single use iPad waterproofing system that can protect up to 90 days. The company has a long history in the medical field and offers anti-microbial coating on the products as well.

TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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Deluxe Headphones Feature ButtonLess Controls



ParotLogoParrot introduces a high end gesture based headphone controller on the Parrot ZIK, complete with active noise canceling technology. The unit removes 98% of the noise from the environment, using adaptive software and four separate microphones. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, both for listening to music and for coupling to the mobile phone. A bone conduction microphone allows coupling into the phone audio. Concert hallThe sound field is movable, allowing the creation of a concert hall experience with DSP. A six hour battery life is standard if all features are engaged. Up to 18 hours of music listening is possible if the other features are disabled.

TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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For the Construction Site – The Job Rocker



InaudioLogoIon 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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Better Way to Hold Your Phone, Tablet or e-Reader



handableLogoHandAble is a fashionable way to hold your phone securely. It can be attached to phone, tablet or e-reader, and adjusts from child to adult. To return the HandAble to the down and locked position, you just pull on the cord and stow the phone and HandAble device in your pocket or purse. Custom artwork is available for corporate gifts, political events or special occasions. Price class $12. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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Big Training Cost Savings for Win8 Tablet Users with Virtual Binder



gDocLogoOne of the hidden costs of any conversion is training large numbers of non-IT workers on a new system. Microsoft Partner Global Graphics has created the software equivalent of a three ring binder. Learning curve ? Approximately zero. The software application, designed from the ground up for the enterprise marketplace and Windows8 tablets allows you to gather up and collate documents from anywhere in any format – PPT, DOC, XLS,PDF, and then assign to pages and tabs within a smart equivalent of a three ring binder. You can share and archive binders and content selectively and confidentially and collaborate with friends and colleagues anywhere on the globe. Personal applications are also possible.

The content display is instantly familiar regardless of computer skills of the employee. And by using existing business documents, there is no re-scanning or conversion required to bring in existing documentation and reference materials.

Pages can be set to automatically update, and it is possible to add annotations, edit pages and documents, and electronically search by phrase, word or tab.TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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Pick Rewards at Point of Sale



DynamicsEplateInstead of carrying multiple cards to qualify for various affinity reward programs, here’s a programmable credit card from Dynamics, Inc that allows you to choose where those charges and points get applied. When coupled with the smartphone app, you can change the reward program and premium that you wish. The merchant gets to put a special award directly in front of the consumer. Charities can also vie for attention . Over fifty brands are already aligned with the program. The awards are also available much more quickly than the regular reward system – allowing response in just a few seconds of the time that the purchase occurs. There is an open API allowing companies to customize and add incentives to their programs. TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Daniel J. Lewis, The Audacity To Podcast.

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