Category Archives: Entertainment

A New Soundbar with Beautiful, Crisp Sound



ZVOX AudioIt seems every time you turn around nowadays, there are new TV’s and new sound bars being unveiled. Each boasting of the newest features and cutting edge technology. So when we tell you that we ran across another new sound bar at CES this year you’ll probably think, “No big deal, right?” Well, in this case you’d be wrong. ZVOX Audio came up with a solution for millions of viewers who have a hard time differentiating the dialog from the rest of the soundtrack in their shows.

In speaking with CEO Tom Hannah, we discovered that there is an epidemic in this country of people who can’t understand what is being said on tv. This is due to a few factors. First, sound mixing technology has changed with the emphasis being on drama, not voice quality. Second, television sets keep slimming down leaving no room for good speakers. Third, there are 95 million baby boomers in this country who listened to their fair share of loud music at concerts and through headphones.

The ZVOX AccuVoice speaker has hearing aid technology built in, making it much easier to understand what’s being said. Even at low volumes, the technology brings the voices forward without affecting the rest of the soundtrack. Customer reviews include high ratings and kudos for meeting expectations in sound quality.

The AccuVoice speaker is currently available for $249 from ZVOX and Best Buy.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
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The Captivation of Creativity, Now on the Go



WacomLooking for a versatile and powerful tablet that is dedicated to your artwork and all that entails? Look no further. Wacom has topped themselves again with the new MobileStudio Pro.

This new tablets launched in October 2016 and allow an artist to take their studio with them everywhere they go. Limitations you ask? There are none. It allows you to host all of your creative software applications on it. It comes with the new Pro Pen 2, which is four times more sensitive than the previous pen. This makes all of your pen strokes super sensitive and super accurate. With this new tablet, you are able to do everything that you can do with pen and paper and so much more, making this an artist’s dream. If you are an artist who has been thinking about making the switch to digital, do yourself a favor and check out this amazing tablet.

The MobileStudio Pro comes in a variety of configurations in both a 13 and 16 inch model so you can customize it to fit your exact needs. Speed is not an issue as you can choose between an i5 and an i7 processor. And you’ll love the new etched glass and optical bonding process that reduces the lag significantly.

Various configurations are available from Wacom direct or Amazon, with pricing starting at $1,499.95.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Make Remarkable Music and Own Your Sound with Synthstrom



Synthstrom DelugeIt’s fun to make your own electronic music but having to be tied to a computer all day and night for work and play gets exhausting and frustrating. Here’s a great alternative: Synthstrom Deluge, the entirely portable workstation that is everything you need to make incredible music anywhere the mood strikes you.

We had the best time hanging out with Ian with this year at CES 2017. Ian is part of Synthstrom Audible, which is a boutique electronics manufacturer in New Zealand. They began their journey 3 years ago to create the ultimate portable music making machine that encompasses a synthesizer, sequencer and sampler. Their first production included about 15 initial units that they sold to friends and local musicians so that they could get feedback and an understanding of how it was working for them, what they liked and didn’t.

This lead the way to the current model, the Deluge, which will be rolling out in March of 2017. This unit boasts of versatility, and rightly so. It is extremely lightweight and goes from fully wireless to plugging in your way with multiple outputs on the back. But don’t let its ease of use fool you, it is a sturdy unit and quite tactile with a labyrinth of buttons and knobs. And let’s not forget the ability to customize almost everything about it, from the color scheme to changing up the presets in any manner you’d like.

The possibilities are endless. You can lay down multiple rows and combine them into your tracts. You will find yourself just getting lost in the waves for hours upon end. Allante said it best when showing off Ian’s abilities. This man’s got the beats right here!

The company provides details and tutorials that better explain the intricacies of the product line. Their pre-orders have concluded, however you can sign up for their newsletter and waiting list for the next availability.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Full and Vibrant Theater Sound from Your Tablet



OIO AmpThe most amazing sound can come from this seemingly simple little accessory for your tablet. That’s right, with Amp by OIO, you will get a full theater experience while watching movies on your mobile device. This case offers a sense of surround sound by separating the left and right channels just like in the theaters.

Even though it appears to be a simple case with speakers, it’s the tech involved that makes it so extraordinary. The front is made of a honeycomb fiberboard so the whole surface creates the sound. And the circular disks on the back are electromagnets that pushes the whole front panel. This combined with the holes in the honeycomb allows the movement of air that creates a deep and encompassing sound that can fill an entire room. This listening experience is the result of over two years of research and development by experimenting with everything from drums, guitars and even cardboard boxes until they got it just right.

The case itself has 10 hinges like a laptop that allows it to be folded in different configurations and even with the speakers to the back of the stand to use in situations where headphones are a must, like on an airplane. The current design is made to fit the iPad Air 1 & 2 as well as the iPad Pro 9.7, however it connects via Bluetooth, so you can actually use any tablet or even a cell phone and still get the full theater sound. Also, upcoming models will include holders for other devices.

The units will be available in a couple of months starting at $249. Check out their Indiegogo InDemand for preorders and a 20% discount. This is something that you truly need to experience to believe. Our team was blown away by the sound when we fired it up at the booth and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Hardware Breakthrough Makes Controllers a Dinosaur in VR



USENSIf virtual reality wasn’t already futuristic enough, along comes uSens, a piece of virtual reality hardware that makes it possible to have interaction with your hands, something that wasn’t available before now. It is meant mostly to be used socially rather than for gaming.

The tracking device has 2 infrared cameras and 3 LEDs and uses advanced algorithms to determine the position of your hands in 3D space. This simple approach makes it inexpensive and accurate, a big draw for many consumers. It is very easily installed for headphones and sensors are embedded rather than added-on for accuracy. This makes hand tracking and room tracking a thing very close to reality.

This product is mainly made for developers of headsets at a cost of $100. and will be available in a few weeks.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Want to Dive Straight into Your Music? Now You Can with OSSIC 3D Headphones.



OSSICOver the years, we’ve all had a chance to listen to music on various brands of headphones. We love this one for the noise cancellation and that one for the best bass. Well, it’s time to add another set to the repertoire. OSSIC 3D Headphones are now on the scene to bring your music and gaming into the future.

These are the first 3D Headphones with built in technology to instantly auto calibrate to the listener’s ear. By pairing advanced algorithms with calibration for head tracking and individual anatomy, you will have the sensation of being right in the middle of the music.

These headphones utilize a powerful DSP that sense your head size and ear geometry. This creates a unique spacial experience for your listening that is unparalleled by adding a sense of height and depth that lets you feel the music all around you. The sensation acoustically recreates the way you experience regular sounds around you in the real world everyday. You are able to turn your head in the direction of sounds effect and virtually catch up to it.

And they aren’t just for enjoying music. You will now also be able to immerse yourself in the audio as well as the video of virtual reality and gaming. OSSIC is currently working with FMOD and Unity to bring this amazing technology to life in upcoming video games.

You can preorder OSSIC now and save $200, with delivery expected in March 2017.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events for the Tech Podcast Network.

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Digital or Vinyl? Have the Best of Both Worlds with Yes It Is.



Yes It IsThe digital age took us all by storm. We went from listening to our music on record players while at home and on cassette players while out and about to the all digital and mystical Compact Disk. Before you knew it everybody was getting rid of their large, component-style stereo systems for the sleek and clear sound of this new digital medium. This ground breaking technology soon paved the way to the digital downloading and streaming that we all know and love today.

But in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the music industry. Those “old school” audiophiles who endured quite a bit of ribbing and ridicule over the years for keeping their classic turntables are now laughing at those who are coming back around to the pure sound, and feel, of vinyl. Many music lovers are kicking themselves for disposing of their old equipment and rummaging through the basements and attics of their parents and older siblings in the hopes of the ultimate find… a forgotten turntable and stash of records. Others are thrilled to see that there are companies who are making newly updated styles of record players that fit in with any personality and room decor. That’s right, vinyl albums are making a huge comeback. And you don’t have to settle for purchasing your albums from garage sales and flea markets. Many artists are now publishing on vinyl again and there are even sections in large book stores that are dedicated once again to records.

And now, to make it even more exciting… Yes It Is, a brand new French startup, has taken the concept of vinyl record albums into the digital age by combining them with a chip that can be read by the NFC reader on your cell phone to bring listening to music into the universe of social media. The albums are traditional. providing that classic sound while playing on your record player, but they also do so much more. By reading the chip onto your cell phone, you open up a whole world of exclusive online content on the cloud. The VIP content includes things like special interviews, upcoming concert dates and events, backstage pics and videos, as well as access to merchandise. It’s really like becoming part of a new, special and exclusive fan club for each artist.

With the company being in its infancy, they are currently in negotiations with various European music labels and are working on getting their product off the ground. They hope to someday bring this amazing technology to the United States, as well. And we here at PLuGHiTz Live certainly cannot wait! We’ll be keeping an eye on this fun and innovative company and will provide updates as they grow.

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

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Prepare to Stand Out of the Crowd with the Spectra Skateboard



Walnut TechRide effortlessly with the new stylish Spectra skateboard from Walnut Tech. Being more than just a skateboard, the Spectra is the smallest and lightest portable powered vehicle on the market. This board is a fully automated way of transportation and fun that operates like a Segway or Hoverboard.

No need to be a pro skater because the Spectra is built for any experience level. It is safe and easy to learn in under 10 minutes. It will stop moving if you step off of it to be safe for both the rider and the board. You could also drive in your own style with LED display and customizable deck.

The price of the Spectra will range from $500 to $900 and will be available for purchase from the company’s website. Keep an eye out for them on Kickstarter later this year.

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

Sponsored by:
Declare war on crappy earbuds and treat yourself to a better headphone experience with new Monster headphones.
Blast to the future with the Monster Blaster: the boombox reimagined.
Meet the Microsoft Surface family, the most productive devices on the planet.
Follow TPN on Twitter: Techpodcasts; Facebook: TPNTV; Google+: TPNTV


Philips Fidelio E6 Provides Surround On Demand



Philips LogoWatching movies at home is nicer when you have surround sound. However, it is not easy to put together a surround sound system. You have to plan ahead, mount speakers, and figure out how to hide all those unsightly wires. Philips Fidelio E6 provides an extremely simple way to get surround sound on demand.

Scott spoke with Senior Manager of Philips Electronics, Ken Chan, at the Gibson Brands Booth at CES 2016. They talked about the Philips Fidelio E6 Surround on Demand speakers. What might look like one speaker is actually two detachable speakers.

The speakers sit next to your TV. When you are ready to watch a movie, remove the top speakers and place them in the back of your living room. After the movie is over, you can easily put the detachable speaker back where it was. Philips gives you a very clean and tidy solution for true surround sound without any wires.

The Philips Fidelio E6 Surround On Demand speakers have internal Wi-Fi. The detachable speakers have a battery inside them that charges when the speaker is attached. It can be fully charged in two hours. You can watch ten hours of movies, with surround sound, on a fully charged speaker.

The Philips Fidelio E6 is not yet available in the United States, but may launch in Spring or Summer. The retail price $799.

Scott Ertz is a software developer and video producer at F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Pioneer Brings CarPlay and Android Auto to the After-Market



Pioneer logoPioneer is a brand for well-known for its in-car audio and entertainment systems so it comes as no surprise that the company is bringing a range of after-market units with Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. Todd and Marlo get a demo of the latest product with Ted Cardenas from Pioneer.

On show here is the freshly-announced Pioneer AVH-4200-NEX, which is one of three products which incorporate both CarPlay and Android Auto. As a result, the display and user interface will take on the persona of the connected device. The in-dash receiver connects to the smartphone using a wired connection as the phones contribute heavily to the running of apps. Plugging in the phones avoids issues with data speeds and keeps the battery charged, though Bluetooth is used in Android Auto for calls.

Voice is heavily used by both the driver to control the NEX and for the system to respond. Voice can be used to compose and listen to text messages, to navigate and to talk to Siri or Google Now. This keeps the need to look at the screen to a minimum and enhances safety.

If your current vehicle’s in-car entertainment system doesn’t support CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pioneer NEX range offers a great way to upgrade to the latest auto technology. Priced at around $700, the AVH-4200-NEX will be available in March.

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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