Tag Archives: ios

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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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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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.


4-channel podcasting on iPad, iPhone, and Mac with Griffin Technology’s StudioConnect HD



Griffin Studio Connect HDProduce your audio podcast from home or remotely from your iPad or computer with StudioConnect HD. Griffin Technology—a leader when in accessories for home, mobile, and technology—recently launched an exciting new product that will bring your podcasting into a new level.

The StudioConnect HD is an all-in-one audio interface with two TRS/XLR combo inputs, where each inputs is its own individual channel, allowing the StudioConnect HD to support multi-track recording. Each inputs also has its own gain knob and phantom power. At the back of the unit are a 5-pin MIDI connection, a USB MIDI connection for USB keyboards, and balanced stereo output for studio monitors. The StudioConnect HD is compatible with iOS (30 pin & Lightning) and OS X (USB), with future support for Windows. Plus, you can use not just your laptop or iPad, you can also use your iPod Touch or iPhone, making it even more convenient when you air your audio podcast.

Using the two stereo inputs, you can record 4-channel audio by selecting which instruments you want to use from the left and right stereo inputs. This also allows you to use multiple instrument or microphones at the same time with this USB 2.0 device. And with only $199.99, you can already own this audio interface starting this Fall. Learn more about StudioConnect HD and see how it can take your podcasting into a new height.

Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.

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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.


KidzVuz: Videos for Kids by Kids



Kidz Vuz
Kidz Vuz

Rebecca Levey from KidzVuz joined Don and I for the TPN CES Live Broadcast. Kidzvuz is a COPA compliant site for kids under 13 who create and upload videos. This site – working with parents – gives kids an outlet for creating and sharing videos.

KidzVuz is a free service. They also work with an iOS app to create their own videos. Rebecca’s favorite video is Flickin chicken. They also work with a lot of studios and brands, and some videos can go viral. KidzVuz has sent some to the red carpet to create even cooler content.

The kids own the content. They can delete their profiles at any time and no data is collected on the children. Since faces need to be seen in the videos, nobody will game the system.

Find out more at KidzVuz.com

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


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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Line2: Add a Second Line to Android or iOS device



Add Flexibility with WiFi Connection Second Line

You may want to keep business calls separate from personal calls. You may want to keep your cellphone number private, or have responsibilities for a volunteer organization or agency that needs a public face. Line 2 is a great choice for professionals.

And as an added bonus, you can take an old iPhone, add this $10 a month application and have a fully functional phone within a wifi cloud that will forward to a regular phone or voicemail when you are outside of the wifi zone.

There’s a 7 day free trial period.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDRNews and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor, for the TechPodcast Network.

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Roamz: Unexpected Pleasant Surprises



Personal Tour Guide

The joy of discovering interesting things around you is the secret appeal of this free iOS app. It’s all a benefit of geographic awareness built into smartphones – and leverages the power of other social media channels that are active in the immediate area. You don’t have to be following people or try to filter the madness of 200 million tweets per day. Roamz offers suggestions about what everyone nearby is buzzing about, as it monitors Foursquare, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for traffic nearby.

 

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

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