Tag Archives: bluetooth

Conversation Clear Plus aims to improve people’s hearing @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023Audio, CES 2023, Entertainmentaging, bluetooth, ces2023, earbuds, gadgets, hearingPLUGHITZ Live

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus Hearing products have come a long way in the past few years. Not too long ago, hearing products were very specific technology (aka hearing aids) with a specific look, feel, and behavior. They were controlled by a small number of companies that required a doctor’s appointment, a fitting, and a lot of money – often thousands of dollars. But, for most people, they were still uncomfortable and signaled that they were “old.” But now, technology companies have entered the fray and created new products that address the hearing problem in exciting ways. The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a new entry that aims to improve conversations in loud environments.

The problem with hearing

For many people, the problem with hearing isn’t about volume, it’s about context. Being able to hear in a private environment can be easy, but hearing in loud environments, such as CES itself, can be a challenge. The problem with traditional hearing aids, though, is that they generally amplify sound indiscriminately. So, if your issue is that you cannot focus on the voice of someone speaking to you in a loud environment, traditional hearing aids are going to make it worse, not better.

On the other hand, being able to use complicated algorithms to control volume and equalizer settings, you can amplify local sound while filtering out distant sounds. This means that you would be able to hear conversations with people who are close to you, or close to the headphones, without having to try and mentally filter out the rest of the noise in the room.

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus

Sennheiser is known for its audio technology. Whether it be the handheld microphone we use for our interviews or the headphones we use to monitor the recording, Sennheiser makes a lot of audio products. In fact, a lot of the audio equipment we use for our events outside of the studio is from Sennheiser. This is because of the reputation they have for quality.

With that, they have taken their knowledge of mics, headphones, and equalizers and put them into the Conversation Clear Plus. This product is a hearing product intended specifically to help those who have trouble differentiating local and distant voices. It is accomplished by using a small microphone array to listen to the environment and make live adjustments dozens of times per second. By sampling and adjusting so frequently, the device is able to make transitions between volumes and settings less obvious and more natural.

The best part is that they do not look like hearing aids. Instead, they look like regular Bluetooth earbuds. This can help people who are worried about hearing aid stigma feel more comfortable wearing them in public. Plus, they actually can be used as Bluetooth earbuds, so it’s not even that far off.

Summary

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is available now for $850. To learn more about the product or the company’s other audio products, including headphones and earbuds, head over to the brand’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Dusk Sport: Smart sunglasses with adjustable tint @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, glasses, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Dusk Sport One of the everyday items that the tech industry has become interested in is glasses. A lot of interesting ideas have come about surrounding glasses, such as adding Bluetooth speakers and headphones to the earpieces, or even guidance for visually impaired people, But, Amonpere has a new way of looking at glasses with their Dusk line of sunglasses.

What are Dusk sunglasses?

Dusk sunglasses are a new take on both the smart glasses concept and the transitional sunglass lens concept, all in a single product line. These glasses don’t use a photochromic lens film to transition from regular glasses to sunglasses. Instead, they use an electric lens film to make the change. This gives a number of interesting and unique benefits.

First, the glasses can be changed manually. This is accomplished either through a button on the frame or through your phone. On the frame, you can press a button and have it cycle through a couple of preset states. This can be regular glasses, full sunglasses, or several steps in between. From your phone, the same thing can be accomplished, but with a higher degree of granularity. You can also set the presets on some models from the app.

Another big difference is the ability to set a darkness level on a whim. Rather than being saddled by the sun and the rules created by the manufacturer, you get to respond to your environment as you please. Do you want to set the lenses to be full sunglasses inside in the dark? You can do it. Are you trying to look at something in detail outside and need clear lenses? You can do that, too.

However, if adjusting manually isn’t what you’re after, you can also activate the company’s InstaOptic feature. While this may sound like standard photochromic lenses, they respond differently. They use light sensors to tell the onboard computer that the light has changed. The user can then decide how to respond to these changes – they can be immediate, like other transition lenses, or they can wait for a period to ensure the change is permantent.

In addition to the lenses, the higher-end devices also integrate Bluetooth audio into the frames. Since you’re already connected to your phone, you might as well use the same devices to listen to music or podcasts while you walk or run.

The new Dusk Sport

The Dusk Sport model is the newest addition to the lineup. These glasses have all of the features of the regular Dusk sunglasses, but in a style that is designed for outdoor activities. It comes in two frame styles – Speed and Action. The lenses also come in a selection of colors, so you can make the glasses your own. These frame styles have become popular even outside of athletes, as they are fashion-forward and interesting looking.

Summary

The Dusk and Dusk Lite glasses are already available. The Dusk is available for $299 and the Dusk Lite is available for $199. The Dusk Sport is available through crowdfunding now with a retail price of $399, but a pre-order price of $279.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Shower Power Buddies make shower time fun for kids @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Homebathroom, bluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, kids, shower, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Shower Power Buddies Do you remember bath time as a kid? You got to be mostly alone in the bathtub with bubbles and toys. It was a great time for pretend – instead of just holding a boat in the bath, you can pretend that you are the captain of the boat. But, as we grow up, that bath time ends and is replaced by a shower, because we need a better cleansing process. But, the fun gets lost along with bath time. However, Ampere wants to bring that fun from the bath to the shower with the Shower Power Buddies.

What is the Shower Power?

The Shower Power line is a line of products for the shower. These devices fit behind your showerhead and function as Bluetooth speakers. The speaker is powered entirely by the water flowing through the device, meaning that you’ll have full sound while taking a shower.

Some models improve on this concept in several ways. The Shower Power Pro, for example, adds lighting to the speaker. So, in addition to the music or podcasts, you can also get a light show as part of your shower experience. The company’s line of shower products is definitely intended to focus on bringing a fun atmosphere to a normal, boring shower.

What makes Shower Power Buddies different?

Shower Power Buddies are an evolution of the company’s previous Shower Power products. They expand on the concept of making a shower more fun while placing a bigger emphasis on kids. In addition to the lights and Bluetooth speaker, these new products add fun characters to the mix.

The goal, of course, is to try to bring some of the playtime fun from bath time into the shower. Trying to get kids to transition from baths to showers can be a real challenge, as kids prefer the simpler and more fun bath. But, it’s important to get kids to make the change, and have a way to continue the fun.

The Shower Power Buddies will launch with a selection of characters, including a narwhal, a fish, and a rubber ducky. There is an obvious theme here, as all of the launch characters are water themed. The connection is clear and purposeful since the product is supposed to be a transitional item from bath to shower. In the bath, the kids are used to toys, such as a rubber ducky.

In addition to the characters, the Shower Power Buddies also separate themselves from the rest of the line by being a completely integrated showerhead. This is so that the shower toy, which is the product, will be in the kid’s hands as they take their shower if they remove it from the wall. It’s a more fun experience and a better way to get clean.

Summary

The existing line of Shower Power products, including the Shower Power and Shower Power Pro are available now. The Shower Power is available for $99. The Shower Power Pro is available for $149. The newest entry in the line, the Shower Power Buddies, will be available in the second quarter of 2023 and will retail for around $149. To learn more about the company and its full product line, check out their website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Chipolo helps you track personal items that might get lost @ CES 2023

January 28, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, gps, trackingPLUGHITZ Live

Chipolo Simple Device Tracking Have you ever lost your keys or wallet? Of course you have! And it always happens at just the wrong time. You’re running late and headed out the door and your keys are nowhere to be found. Now you’ve got to spend time that you don’t have looking for your keys, making you even later for wherever you’re headed. Fortunately, there is an easy way to solve this problem thanks to the team at Chipolo.

What is Chipolo?

Chipolo is a company that produces a line of products to help you find what might get lost. The product works by attaching a small Bluetooth LE tracker to the item that you want to track. When you need to locate the item, simply open the corresponding app and, if you are within range, press a button to cause the tracker to make noise.

If you are outside of the transceiver’s range, you still have the ability to track it. By default, the app will show you the last place that it was encountered. If you are in a remote place, or in a private location, you will see a map showing where your device last encountered it. If the device is in a more public place, it can be tracked live through interactions with other phones and tablets within range.

Why Chipolo?

The line is similar to some of the other brands you may have heard of, but with a variety of benefits that are lacking with others. Firstly, the most obvious difference is that Chipolo makes products that work with both Apple’s and Google’s ecosystems. So, no matter what type of phone you own, you still have the ability to use a Chipolo tracker.

Another benefit is that the trackers come in a variety of colors and styles. For example, if you are looking to put one in your wallet, the company offers a slim tracker that looks like a credit card called the CARD. For keys, backpacks, and other uses, there is a small round tracker with a mounting hole in it, called the ONE. Offering multiple styles with different purposes makes the product more versatile. Having one product that tries to do everything means that it doesn’t do anything great.

In addition, the ability to purchase in different colors allows you to really personalize your experience. You can also easily differentiate between two similar items because of the color of the Chipolo tag attached. For example, our team has several of the same camera bag, but we can differentiate between the team bags because of the color of the tracker.

Which Chipolo to choose

If you are securely in the Apple product family, the line you want to look at is the Spot. This family works with Apple’s Find My ecosystem, allowing all iPhones and iPads to help locate it. If you are in the Android camp, or you have a mixed collection, then the original family is for you.

Either way, both product families are available for purchase today. To learn more or to buy some for yourself, head over to the company’s website, or find the products on Amazon or Best Buy.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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Everykey: The device that replaces your keys and passwords @ CES 2022

March 2, 2022CES 2022, Computers, Gadgets, Mobilebluetooth, ces2022, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Everykey multi-platform security Do you ever feel like you’re carrying around a bag of bricks when you have to bring your house keys, car keys, and wallet with you everywhere you go? What about all of the passwords that you’re required to remember? And worst of all, they’re constantly changing because your company wants you to change it every 45 days. And they’re getting longer! How in the world are we supposed to keep track of all of these things? Everykey is here to help eliminate as many of these issues as possible.

What is Everykey?

Everykey is a Bluetooth device that replaces all of those items! Using military-grade security, it unlocks your phone, laptop, tablet, house door, car door, and other access-controlled devices when you are nearby, then locks them back down when you walk away. The system also generates secure passwords for your website accounts, then automatically logs you in when you visit a website. If you lose your Everykey, don’t worry! You can remotely freeze it so no one else can use it.

The Everykey team was started by a group of graduates from Case Western Reserve University. They were inspired to create the product after they saw how much time and hassle people go through every day just to keep track of their keys and passwords. Everykey is their solution to this problem!

How does Everykey work?

Everykey uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to communicate with the devices that you’ve authorized it to unlock. When you’re in range of a compatible device, it will automatically unlock. When you walk away, Everykey will automatically lock it again. It also uses 128-bit AES encryption to keep your passwords safe and secure.

To get started with your device, all you need to do is download the app and create an account. Then, just pair your Everykey with your devices and start using it! It’s that simple.

How does Everykey compare to its competitors?

Everykey is the only Bluetooth device that can unlock your house, car, and other access-controlled devices. It also has the added security of password generation and website login automation. Other competitors include key fobs, RFID tags, and passwords stored on phones or computers.

Key fobs are small plastic devices that you carry with you to unlock your car or house door. They’re often used in place of a traditional key and are available from a variety of brands such as Yale, Kwikset, and Schlage. However, they can be easily lost or stolen, and some models require you to remove them from your keyring in order to use them.

RFID tags are similar to key fobs but don’t have any physical form. They can be attached to your keyring, placed in a wallet, or worn around your neck on a lanyard. RFID tags use radio waves to unlock devices and are available from brands such as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. However, they can be easily scanned by anyone who is close enough, and some models require you to have the tag within inches of the device in order to unlock it.

Passwords stored on phones or computers are vulnerable to hacking and theft. If someone gets access to your phone or computer, they can see all of your passwords without having to crack any encryption codes. Everykey eliminates this vulnerability by using military-grade security that is impossible for hackers to penetrate.

Who is Everykey for?

Everykey is for those of us who have trouble remembering passwords. With its 2 factor authentication, you can eliminate the need to remember your passwords. Instead, you can simply use the key. It is also for those whose passwords change all the time. When your password changes for work, or your email, you’re still protected and your workflow doesn’t have to change. But, Everykey is also for those who carry too many keys. The device is designed to be able to help secure your home, car, and more, with partnerships with other security products.

Summary

Everykey is available now on the company’s website. To learn more about the company or the key, or to purchase your own, head over to the company’s website.

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

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Liddle Speaker: Must-have Bluetooth speaker for music lovers @ CES 2022

January 29, 2022CES 2022, Entertainmentbluetooth, ces2022, gadgets, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Liddle Speaker magnetic speaker Ok, so yeah, we know… you can get a Bluetooth speaker just about anywhere, nowadays. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, with varying degrees of quality and features. Honestly, you’d think that a tech broadcast like us might even be pretty sick of them by now. But honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It would seem that we just can’t seem to get enough of them because we know that each one can provide a different experience depending on the situation.

One thing’s for sure, after learning more about this one, we like what we see. So, if you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is portable, durable, and boasts fantastic audio performance? Look no further than the Liddle Speaker! This speaker is absolutely perfect for all music lovers, thanks to its sleek design and rugged construction. You will love how slick the Liddle Speaker looks, while totally appreciating how easily it fits into your gym bag, backpack, or purse. Whether you’re at the beach, gym, relaxing in your office, or backyard, the Liddle Speaker is essential for music fans looking to take their tunes wherever they go!

What is the Liddle Speaker?

The Liddle Speaker is a must-have Bluetooth-compatible speaker for any music lover. It features a unique, magnetic absorption technology that allows it to easily attach to any surface and it is also integrated with Mag Safe so it can piggyback right onto your compatible phone case. Thanks to its small but mighty design features and excellent sound quality with enhanced bass, the Liddle Speaker is perfect for taking your tunes wherever you go! It is truly essential equipment for music fans looking to take their music everywhere with them.

Who is the Liddle Speaker for?

So, who is the Liddle Speaker for? Well, really, this unique speaker is for anyone and everyone! With its portable design and great sound quality, the Liddle Speaker is perfect for any music lover. So, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that delivers fantastic audio performances and is perfect for taking your tunes wherever you go, the Liddle Speaker is for you!

The Liddle Speaker is equipped with the newest Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth 5.0 Chip gives a smooth connection while decreasing the number of times your music or podcast is disconnected. And if you are looking for an even better acoustic experience from these little beauts, simply utilize wireless stereo pairing using two Liddle Speakers via a single device for double that ultimate stereo sound. You can also get the most from movie/video time on your laptop and/or cell phone by using the adhesive metal ring to magnetize the speaker to it and create movie surround sound.

Summary

You can get a closer look for yourself by watching our full interview and more info by visiting their website, Here. You can also choose your favorite color while purchasing yours for $29.99 on Amazon. And let us know what you think in the comments section.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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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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FINDY helps you find your glasses when you lose them @ CES 2021

February 21, 2021Accessories, CES 2021, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2021, gadgets, trackingPLUGHITZ Live

FINDY eyeglass finder If you wear glasses, one thing you are familiar with is the panic when you cannot find them. At some point, everyone puts their glasses down and has no idea where they are. Many people spend way too much time searching for those misplaced glasses. But, if you have FINDY by Foxsmart, your phone can do the hard work for you.

FINDY is a very small Bluetooth LE device that attaches to your glasses. The device pairs with your phone, giving you a location service for your lost glasses. In our conversation, you get to see the surprise reveal of the FINDY being worn from the first moment, showing just how small this gadget really is. If it is going to be worn on your face, small is going to be important. Because of the design of the device, you can use it for more than just your glasses. Slip the tracker into a sleeve and connect it to your keys.

The device works similarly to a Tile, in that it uses Bluetooth to log your device’s current location when the two devices connect. When they disconnect, the last location is reported to the cloud service. This gives you the ability to see where you were. Once you are close to it, and you still can’t find the glasses, you can use a signal strength meter to get closer. Hold your phone to your body to block the signal and determine the quadrant it is in. Once you have a direction to face, you can get a hot/cold meter to get even closer.

The FINDY is available for sale now, with a regular price of $49.95 (but a sale price right now of $34.95). To learn more about the product or to purchase one for yourself, head over to the Foxsmart website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Learning the key to a more simple life with Everykey @ CES 2021

February 14, 2021CES 2021, Gadgets, Mobilebluetooth, ces2021, connected device, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Everykey unlock everything Everyday life is so busy. There are so many things, every day, that we are accountable for. We’re so busy running around all over the place and trying to keep up with everything. It’s so easy to get lost in our routines. I, for one, seem to constantly be misplacing even the most basic items… my hairbrush, my wallet, my keys. And don’t even get me started on how many passwords I have, all with different criteria. This site needs a minimum of 8 characters, another one needs a mixture of special characters while yet another one wants no special characters at all. So confusing and frustrating. That’s why this interview with Chris from Everykey was so refreshing and couldn’t have come along at a better time.

I’ll admit that the mere name of this product begs certain questions right off the bat. What exactly is this and is it even safe? Excellent questions! First of all, Everykey is made using military-grade security with extra safety features right at your fingertips, so you can rest assured that it is safe. It is a Bluetooth device that replaces some of the most important items in your life, like your keys and your passwords. You will use Everykey to unlock your phone, laptop, tablet, house door, car door, and other access-controlled devices. And it will do so automatically. Whenever you are nearby, your devices will unlock and then they will lock back down again when you walk away. Everykey can also generate secure passwords for your various website accounts. This is great because it allows you to automatically log in when you visit a website.

You’ll be able to set up and customize your Everykey with their easy-to-use mobile application. The app assists you with pairing to all of your devices and managing things like the range settings. It will also allow you to receive the latest over-the-air software updates to your Everykey so you can stay up to date on new features and security standards. Best of all, you have the ability to freeze it when needed. In the event that you lose your Everykey, you can remotely freeze it via the App or by a quick call to the company, to ensure that no one else can use it if they get a hold of it.

Pricing starts at $59 when purchasing multiples and they have accessories that start at $5. To find out more, please make sure to watch the video in its entirety and also check out there website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Altec Lansing Adds Video Recording to Its DJ Headphones

February 21, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsaltec lansing, bluetooth, ces, CES2016, f5 live, gadgets, headphones, music, techPLUGHITZ Live

In today’s headphone market, it is getting harder and harder to differentiate yourself. There are really 2 ways to do it: price and features. Altec Lansing, in their 2016 lineup, have decided to go both ways.

First, they have introduced a line of colorful Bluetooth headphones that come in at an astoundingly low price: $39.99. The company didn’t skimp on the quality to accomplish this price, either. These headphones will be great for people looking for inexpensive headphones.

On the other hand, they have introduced some headphones and earbuds with some really cool features. For example, waterproof individual earbuds that contain GPS so if you lose one or both, you can easily track it down to its last known location.

Additionally, there is the DVR DJ headphone. These headphones contain an HD camera which allows you to record point-of-view video right from your headphones. This is great for DJs, skateboarders and more. These are coming soon for $199.

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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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