Invisible Touch with HandScape at CES

February 20, 2016CES 2016, Toys & Gamingces, CES2016, tabletTodd Cochrane

HandScape claim to be “Reinventing touch” and honestly, it’s not far from the truth. Their HandyCase puts a touch-sensitive panel on the back of a smartphone or tablet which lets the user work the device without fingers obscuring the display. LG has put buttons on the back of smartphones before but HandScape take it to the next level. Todd and Marlo see the possibilities with Tong Luo, founder and CEO.

Originally a Kickstarter project, the HandyCases for iPhone and iPad incorporate a touch-sensitive digitiser into a shell case. With multipoint capability, the touches, swipes and taps are transmitted via Bluetooth to the device which then reacts as if it had been tapped on the front display. This is genius. Imagine holding your smartphone in your hand and being able to scroll through your contact list by stroking the back of the phone with with one finger, and then double tapping to dial the number. Fantastic!

Cases are currently available for select Apple products with prices up to about US$150. It’s not 100% clear from the website what works now and what requires developer support so if you are thinking of buying you might want to confirm to avoid disappointment.

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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Vivitar Gets More From Life at CES

February 20, 2016Cameras, CES 2016, Photographycamera, ces, CES2016, photographyTodd Cochrane

Vivitar has a long history in photography and cinematography going back to the middle of the previous century. Constantly reinventing itself, Vivitar’s latest iteration is to focus on the fun side of consumer electronics. Marlo and Todd enjoy the new cameras from Vivitar with Director of Marketing, Melissa Hoistion.

First up is the Vivitar DVR988HD 360 Cam which will feature two 180 degree lenses on the front and back of the camera, taking a full 360 degree view. Built-in video stitching software merges the two views into a seamless panoramic image of the journey, whether on a roller-coaster or a scenic bicycle ride. The 360 Cam will record full HD 1080 x 1080 pixel video at 30 frames per second, capture still images at 12.1 MP resolution and shoot about four hours of video on a single battery charge. There’s 200MB of internal storage and a micro SD slot for an additional 256 GB. The Cam will be US$169 when it comes out in Q2.

Next is the new Vivitar MicroCam Air DVR939HD is a miniature life-blogging camera with a 160-degree lens and records full 1080p HD video and 10MP still photos. With very simple controls, the resulting footage can be viewed using a free companion app on smartphone or tablet and there’s a range of clips and mounts to attach the camera to clothing, bikes and helmets. Expected on sale in Q2 for only US$79, I could see myself getting one of these as the MicroCam can record key moments without intruding on the experience.

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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Deeper Smart Fishfinder at CES

February 20, 2016CES 2016, Sportces, fish, fishing, search, sonar, sportTodd Cochrane

One of the challenges of sport fishing is knowing where the fish are and it’s not much fun fishing when there are no fish. The Deeper fishfinder can help with this problem: Todd and Marlo cast their lines with Casey McKnight, President and COO of Deeper USA.

The Deeper fishfinder is spherical device, roughly the size of a tennis ball. Dropped into the water on the end of a line, the Deeper scans the water beneath it with two sonar cones, transmitting signals back to a nearby smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The Deeper app (for both iOS and Android) shows the location of fish (or other objects) below the water.

Popular with fisherman, the Deeper is finding favour with search and rescue teams too, as the device can be used to identify suspicious objects and prioritise recovery options.

The Deeper fish finder is on sale now with a recommended price of US$229, though you may find it cheaper than this.

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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Ford SYNC 3 Drives Choice at CES

February 20, 2016Auto, CES 2016Auto, ces, CES2016, fordTodd Cochrane

The third iteration of Ford’s SYNC in-car communication and entertainment system, SYNC 3, came into the dealer showrooms during 2015 in the latest “2016” vehicles. At CES, further updates were announced with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration available as a user OTA upgrade. Todd and Marlo go for a ride with Kenneth Williams from Ford.

The new SYNC 3 gives choice to consumers, supporting both iOS and Android. SYNC 3 automatically chooses what to launch based on the connected device, so if the phone is an iPhone, then it’s CarPlay, if it’s a Nexus, then Android Auto. The AppLink technology works with over 90 app providers to launch apps from the attached smartphone but display on the SYNC console. Consequently the owner gets the experience that they’re used to on their phone or tablet.

The AppLink protocol is being opened up and made available to other car manufacturers and Toyota is already on board. It’s an interesting move and could be a major benefit to consumers as it creates a standard in the market that app developers can work to.

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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Charge Your Devices and Organize Your Desk with ChargeHub

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsces, CES2016, charge hub, charging, f5 live, gadgets, techPLUGHITZ Live

If you are anything like me, you’ve got lots of battery-powered devices that you use every day: phones, headphones, tablets, keyboards and more. This scenario creates two big problems, though: too many cords plugged into outlets everywhere and devices al over your desk. That is where ChargeHub comes in, helping to solve both of these problems.

The product is theoretically simple: a single place to charge all of your devices. The promise, however, comes from the implementation. A very small device with a lot of power and even more ports allows you to plug the single device into the wall and charge multiple devices. The original puck, available now in multiple colors, charges 7 devices at once, but that is not for everyone.

This year, the company is announcing two smaller versions which charge 3 and 5 devices instead of the 7. These new devices allow for a variety of price points, with $20 for the 3 port, $40 for the 5 port and $60 for the existing 7 port. The new devices should be available in March 2016 directly from the company as well as physical and online retail.

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Waterproof, Drop-Proof, Extended Battery Life? Oh My!

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsaccessory, case, ces, CES2016, f5 live, fre power, gadgets, lifeproof, smartphone, techPLUGHITZ Live

Life Proof is starting off strong this year with their FRE POWER battery case made for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. This case provides a waterproof and drop-proof design with a new extended built-in battery pack. The case is waterproof under 6.6 feet submerged and can last up to an hour. It is also drop proof for up to 6.6 feet.

The new extended battery feature offers a quick and simple design. To charge your phone, simply flip it over and press a button for double the battery capacity. This is the first time ever for Life Proof to be selling a battery extending case for plus sized phones.

Life Proof is also selling their new active-wear called LifeActiv. LifeActiv is made for all phones as long as you apply the quick mount adapter on the back of your case. This adapter works with Life Proof’s arm band, bike mount and suction cup car mount and allows easy access to your phone or device at all times. Just snap on your device to attach and to remove it, turn your device 90 degrees.

LifeActiv products are available now. The retail value for the accessories range between $40 and $50. You could also find the new regular sized phone case for $129.99. The Plus sized version is expected to come out at the end of the quarter for $149.99.

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Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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A New Fashionable Twist on Wireless Earbuds

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsces, CES2016, f5 live, gadgets, helix cuff, techPLUGHITZ Live

Are you tired of constantly untangling your headphones after getting them out of their case, possibly breaking them in the process? The Helix Cuff is made for you.

The Helix Cuff is the first wearable bracelet that can easily transform into Bluetooth earbuds on the go without the usual tangled mess. Put it back in its original form for convenient storage and a fashionable bracelet. No need to lose your headphones in your bag or purse any longer. As a Bluetooth device, it can connect to two separate devices at one time.

The product will ship in March so go order yours now. The Black and White Helix Cuff is selling for $199. If you are more into a flashier red version, the 24 Gold Plated Edition is selling for $299.

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Tech Meets Tennis with Tennibot

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsces, CES2016, f5 live, gadgets, robotics, sports, tech, tennibot, tennisPLUGHITZ Live

Cool new tech is always fun, but when it marries two of your favorite things, it’s love at first sight. That’s exactly what this new robot did for our very own Daniele Mendez. In the last 4-5 years, she has spent countless hours on both the tennis courts as well as working alongside her robotics team, so she absolutely could not resist this product.

Tennibot is a smart robotic tennis ball collector that scoots around the tennis court, picking up all of your practice tennis balls. Not only does it take the grunt work out of picking up the balls by hand so you have more time to practice, but it also looks cool in the process. With the price point starting at $399 for the personal version and up to $1,699 for the larger club version, they are looking forward to being able to ship by the end of 2016.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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iOttie is Taking Wireless Charging to the Next Level and Winning Awards in 2016

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsaccessory, ces, CES2016, charging, f5 live, gadgets, ion, iottie, smartphone, tech, wirelessPLUGHITZ Live

Each year, we love to see the new advancements with wireless Qi technology, and this year did not disappoint. Our resident college student, Daniele, was on the hunt for new cell phone accessories and enjoyed speaking with Andrew from iOtte.

Of particular interest was their iON phone case which brings wireless charging capabilities to the iPhone 6 and 6s. Its sturdy design includes easy access to the headphone jack and data port while allowing wireless charging on any Qi enabled surface. Another new product is their innovative charging desk pad that simultaneously charges a power bank that can be taken along with you on the go, to charge any of your devices.

One of our favorite products this year is a new car mount that offers one touch lock and release technology for easy and convenient wireless charging in the car. This combines their already popular window mount with the ease of wireless charging.

Prices begin at $49.95 for the iON phone case and $69.95 for the Easy One Touch Qi Standard Car Mount Charger. Look for the new deck pad to be available in Spring 2016.

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Oasis Introduces Unique Headphones Without any Headphones

February 19, 2016CES 2016, Gadgetsces, CES2016, f5 live, gadgets, headphones, music, oasis, techPLUGHITZ Live

Oasis headphones by Audasis offer a different look, feel and customization to the ever-competing market of noise-canceling headphones.

For starters, Oasis actually augments your existing, favorite earbuds and not only reduce ambient noise, but also add bluetooth technology to make them wireless. They aim for a sleek, clean look as there are invisible buttons and no ports on the headphones. The eco-friendly device features 20-to-30 useable hours of battery life and CEO Phil Diamond said they plan on shipping with zero packaging. Instead, the headphones will come in a protective case that can charge the Oasis, wireless dongle and up to two devices by way of a USB port simultaneously. The case also features a customizable e-ink display and its lock is app controlled.

Diamond said the target price for the headphones is $150 and are aiming to be shipped by the fourth quarter of 2016. Oasis is coming soon to Kickstarter and more information can be found at audasis.com.

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