Category Archives: CES 2015

Gaming Gets Bigger With the Immersis Projector

February 5, 2015CES 2015, EntertainmentPLUGHITZ Live

One of the problems with gaming is how easy it is to lose your sense of immersion. When your television is across the room, no matter the size, it is easy to get distracted by other things in the room. That is the problem Catopsys is trying to solve with Immersis.

This 180 degree projector can scan your room and turn half of it into a fully immersive video experience. Any game can be easily adapted to passively support the wrap-around projection, but that is just the beginning. If the product catches on, developers can begin to take advantage of the extended real estate for extending the gameplay, not just the environment.

The product is not yet available, though they are running a Kickstarter campaign where you can get quite a discount on the MSRP. If you are a game developer or a really hardcore gamer, this might be the next gaming accessory you need.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
From laptops and Lumia to Surface and Xbox, get it at the Microsoft Store.
Welcome to the Eureka! Factory, where great programs, projects, events and creative spaces and places happen!
Follow F5 Live: Refreshing Technology on Twitter: PLuGHiTzLive; Facebook: F5 Live; Google+: PLuGHiTz Live

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Connected Cycle Keep Track of Your Bike, Whether You Are on It or Not

February 5, 2015CES 2015, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

Connected Cycle is a bike pedal that connects to an existing bicycle that helps you keep track of the location of your bike. If you are riding it, it will keep track of your path and let you know things like distance traveled and calories burned. If you are not with the bike, it will alert you that the bike is in motion and allow you to keep track of where it has gone.

With a built-in internet connection, you never have to worry that it will be too far out of range to alert you of position. You can even bike without your phone and still log your route. It is especially important for keeping track of theft.

One of the really great things about the pedal is that it never needs to be externally charged. Using the motion produced by biking, the pedal is able to charge itself whenever it is in motion. The product is not yet available, but they will be launching a crowd funding campaign in the coming months.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Child-Angel – A GPS Tracking Bracelet Your Kid Will Want to Wear

February 5, 2015CES 2015, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

Many products come from a personal problem, and Child-Angel is no exception. When the creator’s child was lost for a short while in a shopping center, it got his mind going. He gathered a tech team and a design team to put together his idea to protect other families from the same panic he experienced.

Running on traditional GPS, Wi-Fi location and GSM, Child-Angel keeps track of your kid at all times. You can also setup geofences to alert you when they have gone somewhere they aren’t supposed to go. More importantly, the kid can trigger an alert if they are uncomfortable, simply by opening up the back part of the band.

The problem with many trackers is that they are not something that kids want to wear. Child-Angel solves this problem by making it more like a bracelet, with customizable covers that can be snapped on at will without exposing the electronics. Now, when they wake up, they can choose to wear a princess, racecar driver, or anything in between.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

aiFi Stackable Bluetooth Induction-Based Speakers

February 5, 2015CES 2015, EntertainmentPLUGHITZ Live

There are a lot of Bluetooth speakers on the market, which is why it was refreshing to see the unique things aiFi is doing with theirs. Not only can you use a single one like a traditional speaker, but you can combine them to add functionality.

Whether you are looking for portability, music or television, there is a configuration for you. Odd numbers of speakers act like a soundbar, adding virtualized surround, while even numbers add depth through enhanced bass. Stack them speakers into both configurations to get both capabilities. The added range is endless.

Using induction and an internal computer system, the speakers can determine their position and configuration, and even pass the sound from the main speaker to its partners; no need to any wires or special connectors.

The speakers are not available retail yet, but you can pick them up on Indiegogo right now, or wait for them to hit store shelves this may.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology for the Tech Podcast Network.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

HearNotes are Wireless Earbuds at CES

February 5, 2015CES 2015, Gadgets, Wirelessaudio, bluetooth, CES, ces 2015, headphones, hearnotesgeek news

“Audiophile,” “wireless” and “earbuds” you often see together. There are a couple of reasons for this but the main one is that Bluetooth isn’t really very good for music streaming, even with modern codecs like AptX. HearNotes believes they have solved this problem. Patrick Donohue explains what HearNotes can offer to audiophiles.

HearNotes wirefree earbuds are special for three reasons. First the earbuds are genuinely wireless with no wires even between the earbuds. Second the earbuds charge wirelessly in a matching case – there’s no plugging in to charge up – giving about 4 hours of listening between charges. Finally the wireless transmission uses a high quality wireless audio technology called Kleer. And of course, HearNotes uses top notch audio components in its design.

A small transmitter plugs into the 3.5mm audio port to support the Kleer technology so the HearNotes can be used in most situations, with most devices. This is undoubtedly a benefit but the audio output from most DACs in portable equipment leaves a great deal to be desired.

The HearNotes will be available in Q1 for a fairly pricey $349 from retailers nationwide.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Todd Aune of The Elder Divide for the TechPodcast Network.
Disclosure – HearNotes is currently an advertiser at Geek News Central.

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

More Flic Coverage at CES

February 5, 2015CES 2015, Videobluetooth, CES, ces 2015, Flic, Indiegogogeek news

Configuration, customization and wireless connectivity were big topics at CES 2015. One product that combines all of these features is Flic, a programmable Bluetooth button.

Chris talked to Pranav Kasari fromFlic. Pranav explained that Flic is a configurable button that can be set up thru the Flic smartphone app. For example, a user could press a Flic button once to advance a Spotify playlist. Flic buttons can be programmed for up to three button presses, so each button can perform up to three tasks.

Flic is only available via the company’s ongoing Indiegogo campaign. Pricing starts at $30 for one Flic button.

Interview by Chris Davis from Tech PodCast Network.

Become a GNC Insider today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Valeo is Revolutionizing Many Automation Tools for Self-Driving Cars

February 4, 2015Auto, CES 2015Jamie Davis

Valeo Vice President and Innovation Manager Guillaume Devauchelle stopped by the Tech Podcast Network booth to talk with TPN host Jamie Davis, the Podmedic. Valeo is innovating the driverless car at International CES 2015 with their advanced technologies in the man-machine interface.

At CES they are demonstrating the three pillars of intuitive driving: the autonomous car, saving drivers time to do other tasks, and the man-machine interface. Sure initially the driverless car concept might be frightening but Valeo believes that eventually you will forget that there is that man-machine interface and the car will safely transport you to your destination seamlessly.

Guillaume reiterates what other proponents of driverless car systems have said, “automated, driverless cars are far safer on the roads than human driven cars. They don’t become distracted by peripheral events in or outside of the car and their attention is solely on the task of driving the road ahead and avoiding potential hazards.

Find out more about Valeo’s innovative tools and products at Valeo.com.

Make sure you follow Jamie’s picks and coverage over at HTWeekly.com and the Tech Podcasts Network live CES 2015 coverage over at TPN.tv during the show where our entire CES team will be bringing you the best, the most innovative, and newest tech gadgets to you from the conference! And don’t forget to check out his shows for at NursingShow.com, MedicCast.tv, and the brand new Health Tech weekly show at HTWeekly.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Plastc Is One Card to Rule Them All at CES

February 3, 2015CES 2015, Gadgets, VideoCES, ces 2015, credit card, Plastcgeek news

We’re all burdened by many of these plastic rectangles otherwise known as credit, debit, bank, membership and loyalty cards are high up the agenda. Many of these cards are infrequently used but you don’t want to leave them behind “just in case”. Plastc looks to replace all those cards with just one. Todd finds out more about his new flexible friend from Ryan.

The Plastc card incorporates a programmable magnetic strip, EMV chip and an eInk touch-screen display. The stripe and the chip make the Plastc very flexible and future-proofed for “Chip’n’PIN” which is widespread in Europe and soon to come to the U.S. The eInk touch-screen selects and displays the card currently being cloned. The screen can also show barcodes for laser-scanned loyalty cards.

The Plastc card works with an app for iOS and Android to upload the details of the card via bluetooth and there are several security systems in place to ensure that the Plastc card is unusable if lost. The Plastc card is currently on pre-order for $155 with delivery expected in summer 2015.

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

Boingo Builds SMART Wireless Networks at CES

February 3, 2015CES 2015, Mobile, Video, WirelessBoingo, CES, ces 2015, wirelessgeek news

Many of us will be familiar with Boingo from their public wifi hotspots in airports and coffee houses, though the company provides many more radio-based services to an array of clients and venues. Marlo learns more about Boingo Wireless and their plans from Dr. Derek Peterson, the company’s CTO.

When building large-scale wireless networks, it’s not simply a case of putting up more and more antennas. Boingo considers each implementation as a “SMART” network, their acronym for Secure, Multiple devices and models, Analytics, Responsiveness and Tiered services. With these aspects in mind, the appropriate design, technologies and policies can be put into action.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch. Note that Marlo’s audio is missing for the first few questions.

Become a GNC Insider Today!

[cessponsor]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Kodak Makes the 360-Degree Selfie happen at CES

February 3, 2015Cameras, CES 2015, Videocamera, CES, ces 2015, kodakgeek news

We humans have been capturing the events of our lives thru the camera lens for nearly two centuries. But there’s always been one problem: How can we record the action around us and still be photographed as part of that action? The folks at JK Imaging may have a solution. Marlo met with Paul Meyhoefer, Vice President of JK Imaging, as Paul demoed the new Kodak PixPro SP360 camera.

The SP360 gives away its big selling point in the name, as the camera records a 360-degree view around itself. No more will it be necessary for a camera operator to look thru a viewfinder and thus, be left out of the action.

The PixPro SP360 works with both Android and iOS, and the photos/videos captured by SP360 can also be exported to a computer for more complex editing. There’s also a range of mounting kits for the SP360 so the camera can be used in rugged outdoor environments or even underwater.