Tag Archives: android

How Zoog brings families together through storytelling @ CES 2024



Zoog digital storytellingZoog is a platform that aims to connect generations through technology. The idea for Zoog was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the founders realized the difficulty grandparents and parents faced in communicating with their children and grandchildren over video. They wanted to create a way for them to engage with kids in a similar way to offline activities such as reading books, singing songs, and making them laugh, but in an immersive and fun way that could be done remotely.

Zoog is an innovative platform that leverages technology to bridge the gap between generations. By providing a simple and immersive way for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren through storytelling and interactive videos, Zoog enhances the bond between generations and creates lasting memories. It is a testament to the power of technology in bringing people together, even when physical distance separates them.

Zoog – Connecting generations through technology

The concept behind Zoog is simple. Users can choose children’s content, such as Winnie the Pooh, and use the app to record themselves reading the story. As they read, the app adds animations, face filters, background animations, sound effects, and music to create an engaging and interactive video. This video can then be shared with grandchildren, who can view it on any device at any time. They can react to the video with emojis and even request the next content they want their grandparents to read.

The primary users of Zoog are grandparents who use the platform to connect with their grandkids, especially if they don’t live in the same house. The platform is designed to be user-friendly for older adults, and the creators actively involve grandparents in the product development process to ensure it meets their needs and preferences. Many grandparents today are technologically savvy, having used iPhones and computers for years, making Zoog’s intuitive interface and simplicity appealing to them.

How to use Zoog

To use Zoog, users can download the app for free from the iOS App Store. The app offers some free content for users to try, but to access the full library, a subscription called Zoog+ is required. Creating a video is straightforward, and grandparents can share it with their grandchildren as a link, similar to sending a text message. The child does not need to have the app installed to view the video, making it convenient for both parties. The child can watch the video at their convenience.

The delivery of media through Zoog is done via text message links. When a grandparent shares a video, the link leads the recipient to a webpage where they can view the video and interact with it. The child can leave emojis and request specific content for future videos. The company has partnered with various content creators, such as DreamWorks, to offer a wide range of children’s content, including popular characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and soon-to-be-released Paw Patrol content.

In terms of pricing, the Zoog+ monthly subscription is available for $9.99. However, they also provide cheaper plans for those who opt for annual or quarterly subscriptions. This pricing structure allows users to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.

Conclusion: A simple way to read across the world

The Zoog app is currently available for iOS devices, with an Android option coming soon. This means that iPhone and iPad users can easily download the app from the iOS App Store and start using it to connect with their loved ones. The app is called Zoog: Magical Storytime and can be found in the App Store.

In conclusion, the Zoog app is a groundbreaking platform that enables grandparents and grandchildren to connect through storytelling and interactive videos. Overall, the app is a testament to the power of technology in bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Tanoshi computers are a perfect school companion for kids @ CES 2021



Tanoshi kids' computersHaving a computer for children went from a nice to have in 2019 to a near necessity in 2020, and that requirement seems to not be slowing down. Of course, not all computers are great for kids. Either they’re too fragile, too easy to use for unapproved reasons, getting into unsafe places, and more. Over the years, kids’ computers have been a thing, but they always focus on very young kids. But, the Tanoshi computers have a wider range of ages.

The Tanoshi computers take some inspiration from the Surface product line, being able to use as both a full laptop or as a tablet. In laptop mode, you get a full hardware keyboard complete with a touchpad and emoji key. For tablet mode, the screen detaches from the keyboard and continues to function as a complete computer. When doing schoolwork, this gives the student the ability to choose where and how to work. After school, they get the ability to take it with them and explore.

The computers feature Android, as opposed to Windows or ChromeOS. With Android, they get access to the Google Play Store, but in a limited way. The computer features a robust parental control system, so parents can approve and deny apps, monitor screen and app use time, set approved usage hours (like turning off at bedtime), and more.

Of course, as a kids’ computer, there are some things that will make the experience better. For example, the durability is impressive. In fact, during the conversation, you can see the screen literally thrown across the room and continue to work. It is also available in a choice of bright colors, which will be appealing to kids.

The Tanoshi 2-in-1 is available for $199, and the new Tanoshi Scholar is available for $299 (with a special at $249 as of this writing). To learn more or purchase one for your family, head to the Tanoshi website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Typewise brings intuitive typing to your fingertips @ CES 2021



Typewise mobile keyboardDavid Eberle, CEO and Co-Founder of Typewise, joined us at CES 2021 from Switzerland to talk about his company’s unique take on the mobile keyboard.

Typewise is a smartphone keyboard that works on iPhone or Android devices, promises up to five times fewer typos, and safeguards your privacy in the process. The keyboard system, developed in partnership with is ETH Zurich, is AI-powered and completely customizable.

Typewise was developed to help improve productivity by overcoming the slow and cumbersome traditional keyboard system, that’s over 140 years old. The keyboard consists of a honeycomb interface with hexagonal keys that are 70% larger than standard mobile device keyboard keys. Space keys are in the center, conveniently situated for thumbs. While it lacks shift and backspace keys, those functions are replaced with more intuitive gestures that complement the capabilities of touch screens. The result is 80% fewer typos, a number the company arrived at by replicating a 2018 Cambridge University study that analyzed the behavior of over 30,000 users across a variety of keyboards.

Where typically every fifth word typed using a standard keyboard contains a typo, the Typewise system drops that number down to one in every 20 words, on average. Future releases will integrate autocorrect technology with voice-to-text, so the keyboard knows how the user spells certain words when typed, and the voice-to-text engine will be able to type spoken words as the user would. The keyboard will eventually work on desktops, VR and wearables, and any device where you have to input information.

The app is completely free, with no advertising, and is available in 40 languages. A premium version is available as an in-app purchase for those who type in multiple languages at the same time, enabling the keyboard to switch easily between the languages.

Visit the company’s website to learn more or download the free app at the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Polaroid Updates Its Iconic Brand at CES



Polaroid logoPolaroid is an iconic brand in consumer electronics. For years, the company’s name was synonymous with instant-print cameras. But now that digital photos have become the norm, what has Polaroid done to bring itself into the 21st century?

To answer that question, Scott spoke with Joseph at the Polaroid Mobile booth. Joseph demonstrated two new Google-certified Android-based Polaroid phones. The first phone is the Polaroid Flip. The Flip comes with an 8-megapixel back-facing camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s expected to retail for $179.99.

The second Polaroid Mobile phone is called the Selfie. This device uses an innovative “spinning” 13-megapixel camera that can be turned to use as a back or front-facing camera. The Selfie will go on sale for $199.

Both devices will run Google-certified “stock” Android 5.0 and both cameras will be unlocked so they can be used with most international GSM carriers.

Interview by Scott of F5 Live for the TechPodcast Network.

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Kodak Shows IM5 Smartphone at CES



Kodak logoNew technology can be great but sometimes, it’s loaded with so many options that it can also be difficult to truly grasp how it works. That’s the problem Kodak is hoping to solve with its new IM5 smartphone.

Todd talked to Lindsay Higgins from Kodak about the IM5. Lindsay explained that the device was designed with Baby Boomers in mind. She described the IM5 as an affordable camera phone that’s easy to use, with simple features that emphasize browsing and sharing photos.

The IM5 runs Android 4.42 and it uses a 13 megapixel back camera as well as a 5 megapixel front camera. The base model includes 8 gigabytes of storage, with models that expand up to 32 gigabytes. The IM5 also allows for dual SIM cards, so it’ll easily travel abroad.

Interview by Todd Aune from The Elder Divide for the TechPodcast Network.

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ShotTracker Measures Your Basketball Performance at CES



ShotTracker Logo

Sports such as running and cycling have been well supplied for several years with monitoring and tracking devices to record and improve performance. At CES 2015, several other sports have become connected, including tennis with the Babolat Play racket as well as basketball with the ShotTracker. Jamie and Todd chat to Davyeon Ross, Co-Founder of ShotTracker.

ShotTracker consists of 3 components: a wrist sensor, a net sensor and the ShotTracker App. The wrist sensor and net sensor work together to track shots: when a player shoots, the wrist sensor sends a signal that a shot was attempted and the net sensor sends a signal indicating if the ball made it into the basket. Both signals are sent to the mobile device via Bluetooth where the ShotTracker app keeps track of the player’s activity.

The app shows statistics (shots, makes and misses), gives workouts and helps identify on-court weaknesses. Data from multiple ShotTrackers can be aggregated into a coaching version of the app, providing an overall team view. ShotTracker is available for both iOS and Android.

The ShotTracker starter kit is on sale now for $149 from the store.

Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.


FYI Watches Give Bluetooth Connected Wearable Technology



FYI_Watches
FYI Connected Watches

The gang at FYI Watches have looked at the other wearable technologies out there including the so-called smart watches. They noticed something missing – style and purpose. They took that observation and the knowledge of what we really wanted and needed in a connected wristwatch and came up with the FYI Watches. Chris Montera, the Geekymedic and Jamie Davis, the Podmedic from Health Tech Weekly chatted with Brian Pemberton from FYIwatches.com about these innovative designer watches from Geneva Watch Group, one of the largest designers of wristwatches in the world.

The FYI Watches are able to connect to your iOS iPhone or Android devices giving you all the alerts you’re looking for, without the additional wasted space or extraneous information, with just a glance at your wrist. No more embarrassing moments digging in your pocket or purse for your phone to check on a call. You’ll know who called or texted from your wrist and you can then make a determination on whether you want to bring out your phone to respond. There’s also a proximity alarm so you don’t walk off without your mobile phone, making sure you’re connected to your home and work all the time without worrying about losing your phone.

You can pick up one of these fabulous connected watches in a month or so at FYIWatches.com for around $69.00 or in a local retailer near you in the next three to six months.

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Follow-up with more segments from CES 2014 here at TPN.tv and over at the Health Tech Weekly Podcast with host Jamie Davis, the Podmedic.


Fleksy Replaces Android Keyboard with Eyes Free Keyboard



Fleksy
Fleksy

Ionnis Verdelis of Fleksy joined Don and I on the TPN CES Livestream action. Fleksy is a software keyboard technology to enable eyes free keyboard for mobile and wearable devices. Fleksy replaces the stock keyboard and although it doesn’t have swipe technology, it does see how you press the screen. Fleksy technology has a predictive correction technology to correct errors.

If you need larger letters, or a specialized keyboard, this will help people with sight issues. The app is available on Android and iOS devices with a 30 day trial ($3.99 after).

To check out Fleksy, goto Fleksy.com

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Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Don Baine of The Gadget Professor


Sphero Releases Sharky the Beaver Mixed Reality App



Sphero LogoGNC first saw Sphero at CES last year and it’s a really cool toy: a rugged waterproof ball controlled from a smartphone or tablet. So what has Sphero been up to in the past year…Todd and Don find out from Ian Bernstein, CTO Founder.

While the  hardware is unchanged from last year, Sphero has grown the number and type of companion apps from around 5 apps to over 20 with several produced by third parties. New on the scene is a mixed reality app which uses the tablet or smartphone’s camera to track Sphero and overlay Sharky the Beaver on the device’s screen. It’s particularly fun as the real-world interaction with Sphero creates a relationship with the cartoon character which makes it that bit more believable.

Sphero works with both iOS and Android devices, and retails for around $130. Lots of fun and there’s an SDK if you feel like rolling your own (sorry!)

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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New Generation of OLPC: One Laptop Per Child



OLPC logo

The One Laptop Per Child Foundation has been pursuing dreams on behalf of millions of children around the world, while keeping pace with the changes in technology and wireless connectivity. This new UI is built around the idea that children’s dreams and hero’s are a good way to group applications and opportunity. The UI is built with full parental controls, with up to three profiles available for age appropriate access to internet assets.

The built in camera is designed for experimentation and applications encourage the child to get out and explore their world with the camera and creativity.

This is the fifth generation of  technology that OLPC has implemented. It is an Android based system, with many apps programmed in Python. The first US based retailer to get the unit will be Walmart, but the price point has not yet been set.  More info at XOLearning.org and Laptop.org

TPN Interview by Andy McCaskey, SDRNews and Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.
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