Category Archives: Entertainment

Lazy Moose wants to make NFTs accessible for fundraising @ CES 2022

January 25, 2022CES 2022, Computers, Entertainmentces2022, crowdfunding, funding, gadgets, nftPLUGHITZ Live

Lazy Moose NFTs School fundraising needs to evolve along with the times and can also be a fantastic educational opportunity on crypto. Not only do a lot of options available take large fees but aren’t available in the global market. Lazy Moose is the future of NFT school fundraising and educational opportunities.

What are NFTs?

NFTs or Non-Fungible Tokens are a form of non-interchangeable data stored on the blockchain. This differs from Bitcoin in that each token is uniquely identifiable. NFT data may be associated with a variety of file types including video, images, audio, and hyperlinks. NFTs claim to offer a public ledger, but this claim has not been legally verified. NFTs do not restrict the sharing of the underlying content and cannot prevent the creation of another NFT with identical content.

NFTs have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital content. For example, imagine being able to own a piece of digital art that is unique and cannot be replicated. NFTs could also be used to create online marketplaces for digital assets, similar to eBay or Amazon. It is important to note that NFTs are still in their early stages and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely adopted. For example, NFTs do not currently have a built-in mechanism for verification and authentication. This means that it is possible for someone to create a fake NFT and pass it off as the real thing.

What is Lazy Moose?

Lazy Moose seeks to connect schools with artists and developers in order to mint NFTs for fundraising or educational purposes. This collaborative effort can allow for a wide variety of projects, ranging from the development and minting of NFTs directly by students, or working with Lazy Moose to create an NFT for fundraising purposes. Lazy Moose is still actively developing relationships with artists, developers, athletics programs, and companies.

Imagine that you’re a teacher in charge of a high school robotics team. A season can be incredibly expensive, but fundraising can be a real challenge. Printing collectible items is expensive and time-consuming, but fans might actually want something to remember the season by. This is where Lazy Moose can come in. Rather than creating physical collectibles, you could instead mint NFTs to sell to fans, family, and booster clubs.

For example, if your team wins an award at a competition, you could mint NFTs representing the award itself. Then, those who are supportive could purchase that NFT to remember the season by. With Twitter’s new NFT integration for profile pictures, students could even set it as their profile picture in a hexagon, indicating that it’s real. This gives students and mentors the ability to support the team while also showing that support off online, hopefully bringing in additional supporters.

Summary

Lazy Moose is a startup that, like its namesake chordate mammal is burdened with a noble purpose. Bringing crypto-education and fundraising to people around the world. To learn more about Lazy Moose please visit the company’s website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Picoo: World’s first game console designed for outdoor play @ CES 2022

January 21, 2022CES 2022, Entertainment, Homeces2022, consoles, education, gadgets, gaming, outsidePLUGHITZ Live

Picoo game console In a world where technology is constantly pulling us indoors, Picoo has created a game console designed to get kids outdoors and active again. The system is a portable, screenless console that requires no access to Wi-Fi or mobile networks during playtime. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, as it eliminates the need for any connectivity. It is also Bluetooth enabled, so parents can use the accompanying app to control gameplay.

How does Picoo work?

Picoo is comprised of two main parts: the console and the controller. The console attaches to a belt worn by the child, while the controller can be used either in hand or attached to a stick for further reach. Both are water-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor play in any weather condition.

Games on the console are designed for gross motor skills development, social and communication skill-building, creativity stimulation, and imaginative play. The style of gameplay helps to foster something that traditional videogames cannot: discovery. Because the kids are outside, they are exploring and discovering new aspects of their world. This exploration encourages and improves imagination, which is the key to personal development.

Being outside and moving around is also great exercise, something that can be lacking in kids’ routines. This has been even more evident in the past few years with things shut down in parts of the world. Exercise will help with physical development as well as building strength.

With over 25 games currently available (and more being developed all the time), Picoo has something for everyone.

Who is Picoo for?

Picoo is for kids aged three and up. It’s a great way to get younger children active and engaged in outdoor play, helping them work on essential skills and have some fun along the way. By eliminating the screens, the game becomes more about playing rather than focusing on something external. This helps to foster social interactions that get lost in traditional video games.

Because of the wide range of games that come with the console, plus the additional games that are available, Picoo really can be enjoyed by everyone. While asking most adults to go outside and ply tag results will result in confusion and answers of no, this product can provide the perfect way to break down that barrier and get adults running around like children having fun outside.

Summary

Picoo is available now in a variety of options. The primary kit is the Starter Set, which includes 4 Picoo controllers, 5 games, 4 helper cards, and 2 USB-C charging cables. The included games are Lightning Bolt, Whack-a-mole, Zombierun, Hide-and-Seek, and Kaleidoscope. Many more games are available to extend the fun.

For educational and group settings, Picoo can be purchased in larger sets. Rather than 4 controllers, the educational set comes with 12 controllers, plus the accessories to make them work, including games and chargers.

All of these options are available now. To learn more about the product, the games that are available, and purchase one for yourself, you can go to their website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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MoonBikes let you enjoy winter fun like never before @ CES 2022

January 20, 2022Auto, CES 2022, Entertainmentces2022, gadgets, snow, winterPLUGHITZ Live

MoonBikes electric snowbikes If you live in an area with snow, you know how much fun a snowmobile can be. However, they can be really large, heavy, and cumbersome. This is where MoonBikes comes in. These devices are small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. Nearly anyone can easily control one of these devices, making it easy for more people to enjoy the snow together.

What is a MoonBike?

MoonBikes give you the freedom of an e-bike with the power of a motorcycle. Whether you’re rallying on trails, venturing into the backcountry, or simply cruising around town, MoonBikes make winter your playground. Like a bike, a MoonBike is just 70. cm wide and can pass through doorways and be transported on a hitch carrier or in the bed of a truck.

MoonBikes are a fascinating middle ground between a motorcycle and a snowmobile. It looks mostly like a motorcycle, except the wheels have been replaced. The front wheel is replaced by a short ski, while the back wheel is replaced by a large tread. Even with the altered design, it is still capable of doing most things a motorcycle can do.

Because of this design, the controls are also changed from that of a snowmobile to something similar to a motorcycle. To change directions on a snowmobile, you turn a movable handle and the front of the machine changes direction with the back coming along behind. In this case, you lean to the left or right in order to change direction.

MoonBike specs

A MoonBike weighs just 87 kg with a single battery, and 100 kg with a second battery. With a single battery, you will get about 1.5 hours of run time. You can also add an optional dual battery to double the range with up to roughly 3 hours of ride time. All of this is possible while managing to attain 42 km per hour (about 26 miles per hour). In addition, all of this makes it so that the center of gravity is low, making it easy to ride for everyone.

Even with all of this power, a MoonBike still comes in at just $8,500. That is comparable to a traditional snowmobile, or in many cases far less. And, when you consider that it can run for hours and is more maneuverable, it makes for a great option for most people.

They aren’t just great for individuals, they are great for rental agencies, as well. Because of the ease of riding, the long battery life options, and the ability to charge outside of the device, rental shops, hotels and lodges, and even ski lift companies can easily and safely add them to their offerings.

Summary

Most importantly, MoonBikes are just plain fun! They’re fast, agile, and easy to handle so you can really let loose and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, MoonBikes make winter biking easy and enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun on a MoonBike! To learn more or reserve one for yourself, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Jooki keeps kids engaged without screens using NFC ToyTouch @ CES 2022

January 18, 2022CES 2022, Entertainmentces2022, education, gadgets, media, NFC, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Jooki smart speaker Kids love video games, there’s no doubt about that. However, a number of studies have shown that constant screen time can lead to developmental issues. It can cause issues with blurred reality, social interactions, and more. As additional information has become available, some people have worked hard to develop products that help engage kids with traditional-style toys and games without the need for screens. One such product is Jooki, a combination of toy and music without the screen.

What is Jooki?

Jooki combines toys and characters with music – all things that kids love. Kids can use the characters to choose music and stories from the Jooki player. Simply place the right character on the platform and the corresponding music or story will play. Each token and figurine has a square base so that kids can only place them on the speaker the correct way. This helps kids with matching while also incorporating sounds.

Parents have the ability to choose what is available to their kids. They can record audio, including stories, from themselves and their family to be played on the device. They can also choose to stream music from Spotify directly to the speaker. Then, simply match the character piece with the audio that they want to be played and Jooki is ready to go.

How does it work?

This year, the company introduced the second generation of Jooki speakers. The new model has been enhanced in several ways, including adding new, brighter character figurines and tokens, and more stylish buttons. The speaker also features 5 GB of internal memory and 8 hours of battery life, meaning that it can be used on the go without internet access for a long time. For when you want to give your kids the ability to stream content, the speaker also features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios.

The speaker itself features a 360-degree speaker design, so multiple kids and other family members can sit together around the speaker to listen. This gives the ability for a parent or grandparent to sit with the child while a story is being read and follow along. You can even use it to monitor your child’s sleep and nap times!

NFC technology and Muuselabs electronics keep kids away from screens with Jooki. Each character figurine and token has a unique identifier which, when in contact with the Jooki speaker, tells that device what audio to play. Some can be played without the need for internet access, like local stories. Others will require internet access, like music and podcasts from Spotify.

Summary

The Jooki generation 2 is available now in various kits. Prices start at $112.99 for a player with 2 standard tokens. The largest kit costs $179.99 for a player with 8 standard tokens and 5 figurines. There are currently 2 other sets available, as well. You can also purchase additional tokens and figurines. 6 tokens cost $24.99 and 5 figurines cost $34.99. To learn more about the product or to purchase one for your family, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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TXTOmedia: Create effective, scalable online video content @ CES 2022

January 18, 2022CES 2022, Entertainmentai, artificial intelligence, business, ces2022, how to, media, small business, videoPLUGHITZ Live

TXTOmedia AI-powered video content In today’s global world, it is necessary to produce and distribute customer-facing documentation in different languages and versions. TXTOmedia offers a future-proof solution that unlocks endless possibilities for your content, way beyond the limitations of paper. The company can automatically convert any text into compelling video content with just one click – and you don’t need to be a technical expert. We got the details at CES 2022.

How it works

TXTOmedia is the perfect solution for businesses that want to create effective, scalable online video content without any of the hassle. Rather than going through and having to write scripts, hire editors, enlist voice actors, and all of the other work that goes into creating a how-to video, you can just use the information you already have.

The platform uses your existing documents, including internal development documents and written guides and manuals, and applies an AI algorithm to produce content. The platform is specifically tuned to create explainer videos for existing and potential customers. TXTOmedia takes care of all the hard work so you can focus on what really counts: making an impactful difference in your customers’ lives!

With TXTOmedia, you can easily produce videos in multiple languages. Using the content that’s already been produced, the platform converts to other languages and exports a new copy of the videos, expanding the range of your marketing and support nearly instantly.

Who it’s for

Creating a new product is hard. Creating a new company is harder. For those who are trying, TXTOmedia is a great partner. A small company likely can’t afford a dedicated support team. A large company often has too much information to narrow down the content. This platform can assist in both situations.

For small companies, you can augment your support team with video. When most of us need help, we search online. Written content is good for some, but videos are better for most. The user can see exactly what they need to do to use your product or fix a problem. But it’s expensive to hire the right team, mine through support documents, and produce videos. TXTOmedia eliminates that so you can focus on what you do best.

For large companies, there is a ton of data. Your existing support team is managing tickets from customers. Your designers and engineers and building the product. Your QA is looking for common mistakes. These teams infrequently work together, so data sharing is a problem. TXTOmedia does the data sharing for you to determine what content is needed. Even better, it produces the content for you, freeing up your teams to focus on their daily jobs. This enhances your customer’s experience, whether they are calling, chatting, or looking for video help.

Summary

TXTOmedia offers a future-proof solution that unlocks endless possibilities for your existing content – way beyond the limitations of paper. Create how to videos in a snap, all without having to learn how to edit, or without hiring a team. To learn more, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Stern Pinball launches new titles for iconic pinball fun @ CES 2021

March 3, 2021CES 2021, Entertainmentces2021, gadgets, gaming, pinball, stern pinballPLUGHITZ Live

Stern Pinball Led Zeppelin Zach Sharpe, Director of Marketing at Stern Pinball, joined us at CES 2021 to tell us about some of their newest machines and what makes them stand out in the arcade market. Stern Pinball, Inc. (“SPI”) is the oldest and largest designer and manufacturer of arcade-quality pinball games on the planet, churning out eye-catching pinball machines for more than 30 years.

Pinball is the universal language of fun, says Sharpe, bridging generations and cultures across decades. For 2021, Stern Pinball released some iconic titles including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Avengers, and their amazing Led Zeppelin, complete with Immigrant Song and 9 other songs, which took years to acquire the rights to use in the game.

SPI offers a full line of commercial and consumer pinball games, merchandise, parts, and accessories that are sold to pinball operators, enthusiasts, and fans around the globe. Each of their cornerstone titles is available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models. Pro is the coin-operated machines players will typically find in bars and arcades. Premium and Limited Edition models are found more commonly in private collections and typically feature a few more moving parts, such as the Electric Magic Device found in the Led-Zeppelin machine. The device rises from the floor of the machine and features a spinner and ball capture that literally changes the whole trajectory of a game.

The Premium and LE models also incorporate an Expression Lighting System with nearly 100 intelligent LEDs that simulate a graphic equalizer choreographed to the music. With their new Spike 2 technology, the machines are also easier to maintain and repair, with less complexity, fewer components to break and easy serviceability.

Visit the company’s website to see the full collection of SPI machines, as well as to access their Pinball Locator so you can find Stern Pinball machines out in the wild to play.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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AfterShokz offers get great sound and unparalleled comfort @ CES 2021

February 24, 2021CES 2021, Entertainment, Mobilebluetooth, ces2021, earbuds, gadgets, headphonesPLUGHITZ Live

AfterShokz bone-conducting headphones Most of us couldn’t get through the day without our headphones. At work, we use them for conference calls and to listen to our favorite podcasts and music. Away from work, they get us through everything from long workouts to helping us fall asleep, and they are invaluable in helping us escape when uncle Billy brings up politics at family functions. For these reasons and more, they are truly on our list of essential items. But let’s be honest, it’s almost impossible to find that perfect pair that fit properly, especially when we tend to use them multiple hours per day. Headphones crush your ears and make it impossible to hear anything that is going on around you. Earbuds are never the right size and some of them are downright painful. And just like your favorite pair of socks, there’s always one of those little silicone tips that has gone off in search of a better life. But luckily, technology keeps forging on to find us a more perfect personal listening experience. And AfterShokz may have done just that. We were very happy to be able to meet up again with Donnie Coryea, Retail Marketing Specialist at AfterShokz, during our coverage of CES 2021, to find out what’s new with them.

Although most of the gamers that follow our coverage most likely already know about them, we know that the average consumer probably does not. AfterShokz makes open-ear, bone conduction headphones. What? Stay with us, it’s actually really cool. The thing that sets them apart from regular headphones is that they are designed to not go in or on your ears. They sit just outside of the ear and the bone conduction technology delivers the sound right through your cheekbone and directly to your inner ear. This technology allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while using them. They are great in office settings where you may need to hear the phone or be available for your manager and co-workers. They are also great at home where you might be awaiting a delivery or need to keep an ear out for the kids. They can also help you stay safe during outdoor activities and workouts. And gamers are falling in love with them because they are able to play for longer durations without their ears bothering them. No matter how you choose to use them, they really do fit into daily life much better than a standard pair of earbuds. You can leave them on while shopping or dashing through the airport and keep your music on or make a call. Or, in the case of our production team, they can answer a question from the green room without having to awkwardly pull aside the earcup from one side of their headphones and then try to get them set again.

With four different models to choose from, there is something for everyone. All are Bluetooth and offer a level of water resistance. Batter life starts at 6 hours on the Air and OpenMove models and it goes up to 8 hours on the Aeropex and there is 16 hours of talk time for the new OpenComm Headset with Noise-Cancelling Boom Microphone.

Another thing for you to love about AfterShokz is the price. It starts at just $79.95 and tops out at $159.95. So whether you are looking for endurance, lifestyle or communication, there is a set that is perfect for you. You’ll also find a nice little assortment of accessories on the AfterShokz website. My personal favorite are the colorful After-Sockz. If you get yourself a pair (and are able to keep one from getting irretrievably lost in the abyss), be sure to upload a pic of them in the comments here or on any of our social media sites.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Blacknut has a huge catalog of cloud streaming games @ CES 2021

February 20, 2021CES 2021, Computers, Entertainmentces2021, cloud gaming, gaming, project xcloudPLUGHITZ Live

Blacknut cloud gaming platform There is no doubt that the future of gaming has a big place for cloud streaming services. There have been a number of companies, including Microsoft and Google, who have gotten in on the game. However, there seems to be a lot of question over the stability of and the commitment to these platforms. One company that is showing both stability and commitment is Blacknut.

The company has taken a very similar approach to Microsoft, in that the service is a monthly fee and includes all of the games in the catalog. The games in the catalog have no ads and no in-game purchases. Your game state is stored in the cloud, meaning that you can start your game on your phone and continue it on the computer, or vice versa. But, how many games are available? Currently, the service offers over 400 games with n ew games added weekly.

The catalog is also very diverse. There is a large collection of Japanese games with anime styling, such as BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. There are a lot of racing games, from big name franchises like Asphalt, Gravel, and MotoGP. And, there are weird games, like Overcooked and Farming Simulator 19. There is definitely something for everyone.

The service also has a strong focus on families. On your single subscription, you can create up to 5 profiles, so everyone has their progress separately. There are also parental controls, disabling access during certain times and limiting access to games with certain ratings.

Blacknut is available now for $15.99 per month, with a 50% discount for your first three months with discount code WELCOME3M21. You can play games on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Fire TV, and Google TV. To learn more about the platform, browse the catalog of games, and start your subscription, head over to the Blacknut website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Soul Blade earbuds want to help improve how you run @ CES 2021

February 19, 2021CES 2021, Entertainment, Gadgets, Mobileces2021, earbuds, gadgets, Health, mediaPLUGHITZ Live

Soul Blade runner earbuds Many of us always take our music with us. Whether we have over-ear or on-ear headphones, or in-ear earbuds, a lot of people carry some sort of personal audio product with them all the time. However, one group often struggles to find earbuds that work for them – runners. The new Soul Blade true wireless earbuds helps to address the concerns of runners, while adding capability for others.

The standard consumer earbuds tend to not be designed to stay in during intense motion, such as running. Specific devices tend to treat a symptom, like running a strap behind the head to keep from losing it. The Soul Blade earbuds address this problem the way older sport buds once did – with little blades inside the ear to hold them in place.

But, this isn’t where the Soul Blades really set themselves apart. The truly engaging feature of these earbuds is the health features. Built-in to the earbuds is a collection of health monitoring sensors, which can be used to track running form and vital stats. The system is even able to provide warning before injuries.

When there is an area of your form that requires improvement, a voice will chime in through the earbuds and let you know. Some of the capabilities aimed at running form include head angle, body tilt, and stride distance. At the end of the run, the connected SOULFIT app can give you detailed information about your form and any mistakes you may have made. You can also see visual representations of potential injury. You also get more traditional information, such as time, speed, calories burned, as well as a map of your run.

The Soul Blade true wireless earbuds will be available around the start of Q2 2021, and will retail for $199. To learn more about the company and its full product line, you can head to the Soul website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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VirtuItaly brings the art gallery experience to your home @ CES 2021

February 19, 2021CES 2021, Entertainmentart, ces2021, gadgets, travelPLUGHITZ Live

VirtuItaly virtual art gallery The past year has stolen a lot from us, but one of the biggest losses has been the ability to travel and experience new places and cultures. Traveling is big part of life for many people of varying backgrounds. The experiences of going to parks, restaurants, and galleries is hard to give up. However, thanks to ArtCentrica, we can experience the art of Italy through VirtuItaly.

While VirtuItaly is designed to be an immersive platform that allows for in-person and remote experiences, the last year has certainly placed a focus on one part of the business. That aspect is a fantastic virtual platform that can help bring the experience of a classic art gallery to you, wherever you are. Through the platform, you can explore a large collection of paintings in a whole new way.

While normally, you must view the paintings from a distance, with VirtuItaly you can get up close and personal. In fact, you can use the platform to get so close you can see the individual imperfections in the paint. In our demo, we get to zoom into a painting to the point where you can see brush strokes and canvas cracks. The detail is absolutely stunning, and gives you the ability to experience the art in new ways.

One of the other things that sets the platform apart is the way they work to digitally restore the artwork. The art restorers research the materials that were available and popular for tinting paint in the time the work was created, and use that to determine what the colors would have been originally. This means that the vividness of the colors are likely closer to the original work than the reality is today.

VirtuItaly is available now, with a free trial to see what it is all about. To learn more or try it out, check out the VirtuItaly website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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