Category Archives: CES 2018

Shuttercase Knows How To Make Photos Astoundingly Easy

February 17, 2018Accessories, CES 2018, Mobile, PhotographyPLUGHITZ Live

Vantas Shuttercase These days people are using their smartphones for taking pictures even more often than a regular camera. Vantas has developed a case for your phone to help you to be more creative in your photography by freeing up one hand. This product is called Shuttercase, and it is essentially case with a gripper that enables you to let go of your phone with one hand and press the shutter with the other hand.

The feature that sets this case apart from other photo cases and selfie sticks is that there are no electronics involved. Rather than using Bluetooth to trigger the camera, Shuttercase uses mechanics to press the volume button on your phone. This means there is no setup or pairing and you never have to worry about interference or battery issues. Shuttercase is a combination of a case, a mechanical shutter, a stand to set the phone down while shooting and a power bank, which has a rechargeable battery. It comes in six colors and you can also purchase additional batteries.

The basic price point starts at $60.00 and will be available in approximately 60 days. For more information go to their website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.
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OtterBox Show How to Keep it Cool

February 17, 2018Accessories, CES 2018PLUGHITZ Live

OtterBox Cooler For the person who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors, OtterBox has come up with an innovative approach to keeping things cold while you are outside: The Venture Coolers. The coolers come in three sizes and three colors: Hudson (white and blue) Ridgeline (desert sand and green) and Back Trail (desert sand and orange with an outdoor prints accents).

The company started making dry boxes in the 90s and merged into cellphone cases in the 2000s. Now the idea has been put into a cooler for people who like to be outdoors. The concept of a modular design makes the cooler so versatile. The inside of the cooler has movable partitions that can create the desired space needed for your food. The separate smaller tray at the top is perfect for food or items that you don’t want in or near the ice because they need to be dry. There is even a partition that also doubles as a cutting board.

Other available modules include elevation tumblers and cup holders. Another unique feature is a lock that is bear-resistant for the real nature lover. One of the best features of this product is the fact that ice has been kept in the cooler as ice for up to 15 days. For more information go to their website.

Interview by Jacob Cannon of FIRST Looks.
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Flexible and Healthy with Increased Mobility in the Office

February 17, 2018CES 2018, Computers, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

FlexiSpot Adjustable Desk After getting more information and a working demo of the FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro V9, we ventured further into their booth to see more of their products. Lehong Xiang was very excited to show us how their entire line works together to provide a comprehensive package for your office space.

At Loctek, they take great pride in designing, and bringing to life ergonomic solutions that help people lead a healthier and more productive life. Their innovative Research & Development team is comprised of forward-thinking engineers who combine their ideas with the latest technology and create viable products that make productivity healthier in the all work settings.

Featured here is the arrow shaped adjustable desk. It’s smart features allow users to program in specific height settings, as well as adjust the height at any time. Adjustments are made easily with the touch pad located on the left front of the desk. Add on a dual monitor mounting system for optimum screen views at any height. You can use an ergonomic desk chair and/or one of their stand alone desk bikes, as well. This configuration allows the perfect combination of sitting, standing and pedaling for optimum health benefits.

The arrow shaped smart adjustable desk will be available soon on their website, where you can also find multiple monitor mounting systems and desk bikes. All items are prices separately to allow you to purchase all or any portion thereof. You can also add on to your system at any time.

Also, take a look at the following innovative Loctek products that are available on Amazon.

Loctek Upright Foldable Desk Bike
Loctek Monitor Arm Dual Monitor Mounts
Loctek D7DP Swivel Dual LCD Arm Desk Laptop Mount Monitor Stand

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Flexible and Healthy with Increased Mobility in the Home

February 17, 2018CES 2018, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

FlexiSpot Exercise Bike Ever since computers became mainstream in offices and in homes, there has been an increase in a multitude of health problems in this country. Everything from neck and back ailments to problems with circulation, weight and mobility. At Loctek, they are passionate about creating an active environment out of conventional work spaces to better support wellness and productivity. To accomplish this, they have designed a line of workstations that promote movement and flexibility. It’s no wonder they were CES Innovation Award Honorees for 2018. Their commitment to wellness at work is obvious in the design of every sit-stand workstation, height adjustable desk, exercise bike and ergonomic monitor mount that they manufacture.

In this interview, we learn that it’s not just important to stay mobile while at the office, but also while we are at home. Lehong Xiang is the CEO and head of design for Loctek. He is very excited to bring his product line, and awareness of their benefits, to as many people as possible. We spend a lot of time, everyday, on our PCs, laptops, tablets and even writing and reading. Whether at a desk, at a counter or on the couch, we tend to sit while performing all of these tasks. The more we sit, the more problems we develop. But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t going to trade in these activities to get some exercise. Well, now you can do both with the FlexiSpot Bike.

This stationary bike, turned into a workstation, is very accommodating to fit into your home and lifestyle. It can be adjusted in many configurations. You can pull the tabletop forward to have a stand up work station. And of course it is also an exercise bike, that you can set to your specific height requirements. The desktop can also be adjusted to your comfort level. They make it as easy as possible for you to get your work done, or read the newspaper comfortably, while keeping your blood flowing as you pedal.

The model presented here, the Deskcise Pro V9, is available for $499. You can get more information, as well as see the other cycles in the line on their website. Also, take a look at the following innovative Loctek products that are available on Amazon.

Loctek Upright Foldable Desk Bike
Loctek Monitor Arm Dual Monitor Mounts
Loctek D7DP Swivel Dual LCD Arm Desk Laptop Mount Monitor Stand

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Gibson Crafts Outstanding Instruments That Look Like Masterpieces

February 15, 2018CES 2018, EntertainmentPLUGHITZ Live

Gibson Guitar and Gibson Custom Shop This year at CES 2018, Gibson Brands is focusing their attention on modern finishes that stand out apart from the traditionalist look. These instruments have gorgeous colors that pop and make a statement. One of our favorite interviewees at CES, Aljon Go showed us some of his favorite pieces of the new year as well as announce the newest ambassador, Slash. He also showed off the 2 Million Dollar Guitar, a guitar from the Gibson Custom Shop.

Rock icon and world-famous guitarist Slash now represents Gibson Global Brands with his own line of his favorite guitars refinished to match his style and edge. These limited-edition guitars were aged to resemble their vintage counter parts that were Slash’s personal favorites. Gibson is proud to have him on the team representing his relationship with Gibson along with his story.

The company meets their 2018 goals with two modern beautiful pieces: the ES-335 Semi-Hollow Guitar in Aquamarine and the High Performance Les Paul Guitar in Hot Pink. These two different styles both show off a flashy color that highlights the wooden undertones. Each one has a unique design to give any modern player the look and feel that they need along with the comfortable playing style for which Gibson has always been known.

Aljon takes us over to the Gibson Custom Shop section to then show us the most expensive guitar we’ve ever seen: a $2 Million, hand-crafted, hand-painted, work of art that took years to finish. This guitar is one of a kind and has been kept hidden from the world for far too long. The design showcases the most iconic pop culture figures from the 1900s to the year 2000 including influential presidents, TV shows, historical figures and moments in exquisite detail.

The company guarantees a guitar that you will adore specified to your style and preferred music genres. Experts like Aljon can work with you to create your dream guitar. You can find all these pieces and more by going to the Gibson website.

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ARRAY Finds a Smart Way to be Secure in Your Home

February 15, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, Home, MobilePLUGHITZ Live

Array by Brinks Home Security The world of home protection has been enhanced by a new product line from Brinks Home Security called ARRAY, designed and manufactured by Hampton Products. The line features many creative products to keep you and your family safe and protected.

The first product is the Brinks Push/Pull/Rotate Handleset. The doorknob offers the ability to open by pulling the handle, as well as the traditional turn, while the handle can be opened by a simple press. The handlesets are available now in a variety of styles, including knob, lever and handle, as well as different finishes.

To compliment the handleset is the ARRAY Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt. The deadbolt is made from military grade steel and contains a solar panel to keep the electronics powered. It also has a hands-free feature making it very useful for entering your home when your hands are full. The deadbolt can be paired to your smartphone and senses when your phone is approaching your door and unlocks it. When combined with the handleset, it makes coming home with your arms full easy. The deadbolt is available for preorder in a variety of styles and finishes.

One of the most interesting features of the ARRAY locks is the check lock ability. This feature uses the ARRAY app to check your security at bedtime without having to go back to the doors to be certain that they are closed and locked securely. Using the feature, you can eliminate your nightly “lockdown process” of verifying the state of all of your doors. You can check this from anywhere in the world and, as long as the door is closed, you can even lock or unlock the door remotely.

Next up is a set of ARRAY Smart Light fixtures. Both styles feature a 1080p camera with night vision, 270 degree motion detection, a solar panel a microphone and speaker. We’ve all had a motion sensor light go off any time a cat runs through the yard, or a neighbor who has it pointed towards the street and anyone who drives by turns on the light. The ARRAY light has built-in AI and can recognize humans for activation, meaning that animals or cars will not set it off.

The first design is a coach-style fixture, which is easy to open and change the bulb, and looks like a traditional light fixture. In addition, if two lights are needed, for example to go on either side of a garage door, there is the availability of a slave light, which has no camera but it reacts to the master’s commands. Whenever the master light turns on, so does the slave.

The second design is an LED security light. It features two LED panels with power up to 2000 lumens and can be programmed by your phone to control the brightness, in the event 2000 lumens is too bright. This fixture can also be programmed to be used as a floodlight to enjoy your outdoor area in the evening. Both of these lights will be available in the near future.

Interview by Marissa Schiereck of The New Product Launchpad.
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Cor Makes Your Environment Smart and Safe

February 15, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

Cor by Carrier Home security is one of the most important things you can spend your money on. Now, one of the oldest and most trusted names in the business of home products, Carrier, has produced a line of smarthome and security products called Cor. This is a line of professionally installed systems that will alert you as a homeowner of any breach in security such as break-ins or fire. You can use up to 16 cameras and you have total remote access.

But Cor is more than just security; it also provides a wide range of smarthome products as well. From lights to garage doors, Cor can control a lot of the devices in your home. In an example at the booth, they used a wireless button to simulate arriving at home, where the garage door opened, the living room lights came on, and as the person moved through their home, the lights would com on in the new rooms and turn off where they had left. All of this provides a nice convenience for your home, to compliment the security and safety features of the system.

This product is best served as professionally installed because of the technology involved. The starter kit is priced at under $1000 plus installation. However, when you purchase this, you own it and there is no monthly fee because it is self-monitored. In addition to the existing products, Carrier will soon be releasing a doorbell camera. For more information check out their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.
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Introducing Smart Tech for Your Smart Yard

February 15, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

b•hyve outside water timers Watering your lawn and yard can be a frustrating chore. Not only do unexpected weather conditions play a factor, there is a matter of timing to turn it on or off. Now there is b•hyve, a line of smart timers for your lawn. These timers can be connected to the internet so you truly can “set it and forget it.”

b•hyve knows the weather up to 14 days in the future and, with that knowledge, will save you up to 50% water use. It is also aware of certain restrictions in your area, such as during a drought or flooding. It can check after a rainfall to see how much it has rained so it can adjust accordingly for the next cycle, preventing overwatering. The outside and inside timers are compatible with any brand of irrigation systems, not just with Orbit systems.

Another option is a spigot timer for your outside faucet. Many people water this way, and it’s not unusual to turn on the water and leave home, forgetting it is still on. It features a flow meter inside to let you know how much water you have used, as well as to limit the amount of water used. This is very helpful when you want to fill the swimming pool for your children or even fill a large aquarium.

These products are currently available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart or Amazon. Pricepoint for this system depends on how large of a system you need or want. Outside mount with 6 stations in a weather-proof box is $100. An indoor mount for a shed or a garage is $60 for 4 stations or $80 for 8 stations. There is also a hose tap timer to be use from the end of your hose available for $40 and if you need the hub to make it Wi-Fi, it’s $70 for the pair. For more information check out their website.

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BenjiLock Experiences A Year of Triumph and Dreams Coming True

February 15, 2018Accessories, CES 2018, GadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

BenjiLock by Hampton Products One of the best things about being part of the tech press and conducting these interviews is the friendships that we build along the way. Last January, at CES 2017, we came across Robbie Cabral in the startup section called Eureka Park with his new padlock, BenjiLock, that can be opened both by fingerprint and keys. We loved this idea and made sure to learn more about it.

Obviously we were not the only ones who thought this lock was a great idea with a lot of potential. Later in the year, BenjiLock was featured on the hit show, Shark Tank, and picked up by investor Kevin O’Leary. And it’s been a complete whirlwind since then. O’Leary, also known as Mr. Wonderful, has been doing what he does best: marketing royalty deals. Hampton Products International, a hardware and security company out of California, has since purchased the rights to the product in North America.

We were happy to run into Robbie at CES Unveiled this year as he was on his way to meet somebody. He said a quick hello and invited us to come by his booth, which has been upgraded from the startup section to the Smart Home section of the Sands Convention Center. When we visited the booth, we were lucky to get to spend some time with CEO of Hampton Products, Kim Kelley, not long after presenting Robbie with a check for $100,000 live on CNBC. Both gentlemen emphasized the importance of hard work and remaining humble as you pursue your dreams.

BenjiLock is currently working on production of the 1st generation lock, as well as announcing that BenjiLock Mini is also in the works. We will continue to keep an eye out for future innovations and rooting Robbie on as he follows his dreams. Check out their website and click on Preorder to sign up to be notified when BenjiLock becomes available.

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At Last there is Smart Home Tech for All of Us

February 15, 2018CES 2018, Gadgets, HomePLUGHITZ Live

Oomi smarthome technology Not the most techie person on the planet but still want awesome smart home features? Don’t worry, Oomi has got you covered. Their new additions make IoT easy for all of us, and without sacrificing features or safety.

They also wanted to build in entertainment control to the system. In the past, this hasn’t been so easy in a touch screen environment because you’re looking up at the TV when the controls you need to view are down in your hands. So they developed tactile controls that can be programmed to your specifications to control all of your entertainment. Because let’s face it… we all need buttons sometimes.

The best part about this new in-home, whole-home controller is how easy it is to set up. It has a small orange button on the back of it. And each companion product also has a small orange dot. To pair everything together, you simply connect the dots and voila, setup is complete. They use NFC in the pairing process to make it extremely simple and user friendly. The touch screen has also been designed to be easy to use. You just name the rooms and the devices and you’re ready to go. The system is also able to accept some third party smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa.

All of the new items are available now except the touch switch module which will be coming soon. It’s the only one that will need installation as it is also a scene controller in an elegant design that looks like a traditional wall switch.

To easily get started, kits are available, which come with the Oomi Touch controller, Oomi Cube hub and a set of sensors. The Lighting Kit retails for $499 and comes with 2 Oomi Bulbs and an Oomi Plug. The Automation Kit retails for $499 and comes with an Oomi Bulb, an Oomi Plug and an Oomi Door/Window Sensor. The Security Kit retails for $400 and comes with an Oomi Door/Window Sensor, an Oomi Multisensor and 4 Quick Tags. Other accessories are also available to expand your smarthome.

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