Geek News Central is the technical site for Geeks. We Spin tech for the common man. With a Family of Tech Shows and Content.


Cord On Board by Caselnity

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:16 AM on February 22, 2012

Cord on Board I have several extra iOS cords because when I travel I tend to forget them, or I leave them in a hotel room or they get lost somewhere in my luggage. So I have to go out and buy a new one. Cord on Board by Caselnity is trying to solve that problem. Their case for the iPhone 4 or 4s has a place where you can store a custom sized cord right in the case. So it is always there and doesn’t get tangled up with other cords. To fit the cord the case has to be curved, which makes it more ergonomic and nice to hold in your hand. It is also doesn’t slip as much as many other iPhone cases. The case is made of shock-resistant thermo-plastic and comes in black or white. They hope to have other colors available at a future date.

Cord on Board started out as a Kickstarter project, although that ends on February 22. All cases come with the custom sized cord included. At this point in time pricing is not available. Although if you pledge $25.00 or more on Kickstarter they will reserve a case for you. They hope to have cases available in March and are looking for retail partners. If I still had my iPhone 4 I would take a good look at the Cord on Board. I hope they still make it even if the Kickstarter support doesn’t come through.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Interviewed by Jamie Davis of The PodMedic

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces, Information, iPhone, Special Media

Comments No Comments

Timbuk2: Boutique Cases for Laptops and Tablets

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:05 AM on February 22, 2012

Timbuk2 If you like high quality bags and sleeves for your iPad or laptop, then you will be familiar with Timbuk2. Timbuk2 started in 1989 in San Francisco making bicycle messenger bags. Over time more and more of their clients were asking them if they had anything they could carry their laptops in. One of the first additions to their bicycle bags was a padded pouch in front where a laptop can put. Over time they added a cover over the zipper to make it more waterproof.

They also have padded sleeves for tablets, or ultra-books. These are made with a material that looks likes a waffle with small holes that allow air to flow thru and cool the product. Timbuktu calls this crater mesh. They also sleeves which allows you to carry a tablet and a laptop together. There is a strap on the back of the case which allows you to easily carry it. They also make a backpack which is great for students walking from class to class or going through an airport. The knapsack opens up and lays out flat, making it easier to get through airport security. They also make cases for the various Kindle products, known as the Professor line. By folding these cases you can turn them into stands.

Timbuk2 is still in San Francisco. Their prices range from $35 for tablet sleeve up to $129.00 for the messenger bag, Timbuk2 is a boutique brand. They will do custom bags, so you can choose the color and material that you want. You can buy Timbuk2 products from their Web site and through the Apple store or through Amazon. If you are looking for a US made bag that well constructed and customizable than you may want to take a look at Timbuk2.

Interview by Tom Newman of The Fogview Podcast and Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces, Gear, Information, Special Media

Comments No Comments

Breffo Spiderpodium for Smartphones and Tabets

Posted by Andrew at 9:00 AM on February 17, 2012

Breffo Spiderpodium Smartphone CradleThe Breffo Spiderpodium is a flexible yet somewhat disturbing cradle for smartphones and tablets. Nic McMahon from Breffo chats with Andy and Courtney about the success of the Spiderpodium over the past year.

The Spiderpodium has had a good year with a Nasa mission and a starring role on The Apprentice (not Dragon’s Den as suggested in the video). Nic reveals a marketing tip…despite myriad uses, people have difficulty imagining how they could use the Spiderpodium. However, show the Spiderpodium in action as an iPhone holder on a bicycle and they’ll need to have one.

The smartphone version is $19.99 with the bigger tablet model priced at $34.99 and they’re available in a range of colours.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDR News and RV News Net.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, Apple, ces, Gadgets, Interview, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, smartphone, Special Media, tablet

Comments No Comments

Leonar3Do Virtual Reality Kit

Posted by Andrew at 10:28 PM on February 14, 2012

Leonar3Do 3D Controller

This looks more like an instrument of torture than any kind of bird I’ve seen but fortunately it’s not and it’s actually the virtual reality controller from Leonar3Do‘s desktop VR kit. Andy and Courtney breathe a sigh of relief and chat to Stewart Oldroyd from Leonar3Do.

Hungarian start-up have created “the world’s first desktop VR kit”, consisting of the scary controller above, 3D glasses and three line sensors that affix to the computer monitor to track the position of the controller and the glasses. There’s a video on the company’s website that shows the system in action and it looks amazing.

The innovative part is that it’s an out-of-the-box environment which costs around $1500 rather the $10,000+ usually associated with VR systems. Currently only available for enterprise and education markets, the consumer version will arrive in late spring.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDR News and RV News Net.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , ,

Posted in 3D, Accessory, ces, Interview, PC, Special Media

Comments No Comments

AViiQ For Gadgets On The Go

Posted by Andrew at 10:25 PM on February 14, 2012

AViiQ is a product innovation company that specializes is in cool travel gadgets. Andy and Courtney see the latest toys with Alan Yeung of AViiQ.

First on show is a portable laptop stand that unfolds from a flat strip that’s about 13″ long, 2.75″ wide and only 0.25″ thick. Made from a material called Hylite, it’s a composite of aluminum and polypropylene weighing just 5.5 oz. Prices start at $59.99.

Next up is the Portable Charging Station, a folio USB charging kit that comes with an AC adapter that powers a four port charging hub. Not only does it reduce the number of power adapters needed but by keeping all the cables together, it reduces the chance that one will be left behind. Available for $79.99.

For smartphone and iPod / iPhone syncing, a AViiQ offers short stiff connectors rather than twisty cables, with a USB connector at one end and Apple / mini-USB / micro-USB at the other. The interconnects also have a pen clip so that they don’t always fall to the bottom of the laptop bag. $12.99 and $34.99.

Finally, folding travel plugs and power adapters make traveling easy, with both a folding US-UK plug and an expanding power strip that offers surge protection and USB power. Both $34.99.

Great gadgets for the frequently traveler.

Interview by Andy McCaskey and Courtney Wallin of SDR News and RV News Net.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, Android, Apple, blackberry, ces, Gadgets, Gear, google, Interview, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, mobile, RIM, Special Media, travel accessories, USB

Comments No Comments

Craftsman Internet Connected Garage Door Opener

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 1:03 AM on February 8, 2012

Craftsman may not be a name you expect to see at the Consumer Electronics Show, which is generally all about computers, home theater, smartphones, and the like, but you may be surprised by the fact that they were there and they had some cool things to show off.  How does the world’s first internet-connected garage door opener sound?  This garage door opener has an app for checking it’s status and opening and closing it remotely.  Handy for those time you drive away and forget to hit that close button.

There are apps to control it available not just for the PC, but also for both Android and iOS devices.  This also eliminates the need to give out keys or passcodes to repairman and others, because you can simply let them in remotely.  The device is already available from Craftsman at their website and at Sears locations.  They are also working on many future improvements, like integration with home security systems.  The device begins at $349 and you can learn more from Craftsman.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces

Comments No Comments

Samsung SmartCam IP Camera

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 12:47 AM on February 8, 2012

If you are in the market for a home surveillance camera, or IP camera as they are also known, then Samsung has a new one that is worth checking out.  Last month at the Consumer Electronics Show is Las Vegas, Jeffery Powers stopped by the Samsung booth to get a look at the newest addition to their camera family.

The new camera is called the Smartcam and it’s designed to keep an eye on your home while you are away.  The camera is tiny and dead simple to set up.  Simply push a button on the camera and one on your router and you should be up and running.  While it isn’t said in the interview below, we will assume that this means the “WPS” button, which all modern routers and extenders come with.  The camera uses motion-detection and audio-detection to activate it and will send you an alert if it has been activated.  In addition, it will record what it picks up to a personal, password-protected YouTube account.  Features include night-vision up to 15 feet, free apps for all mobile platforms, and an always-on setting to allow you to view it anytime, even when it hasn’t picked up activity.

The Samsung SmartCam will be available this March for $149.99.  Keep an eye out for it at the Samsung site, and check out the video below to get a first look at it.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces

Comments No Comments

Siano Brings Broadcast TV To iPhones and iPad

Posted by Andrew at 1:15 AM on February 6, 2012

Siano Mobile Silicon LogoAlthough not present in the USA and Europe, viewing broadcast TV on mobile phones is very popular in Asian countries and parts of South America. Andy and Don talk to Guy from Siano Mobile Silicon about the technology behind this cultural phenomena.

Watching broadcast TV on mobile phones has been very popular in China, Japan and Korea, particularly with people who commute on buses and trains. Much as those of us in the US or UK listen to an MP3 player as we trundle to work, they watch TV. Siano produces the chipset which decodes the broadcast signal and they have a TV accessory that plugs into the Apple connector on an iPhone or iPod to show broadcast TV on the screen.

Phones that can show broadcast TV are expected in the US market during 2012, with coverage available in most major cities. Pricing to be announced.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, Apple, ces, Interview, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, smartphone, Special Media, tablet, travel accessories, TV

Comments No Comments

Nexia Home Intelligence

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 1:04 AM on February 6, 2012

Some of you may be familiar with Schlage Link, but they are now rebranded as Nexia Home Intelligence to give users more of an idea what they are all about.  They are working to bring total control of a user’s home right to the fingertips.  From security, to heating and air conditioning to home automation, you can control it all from the web or from an app on your phone.  Currently there are apps for iOS and Android, but Windows Phone is on the way.

Nexia Home Intelligence is using Z-Wave technology and their products are compatible with many others on the market.  In the video below you will get a look at the control interface in action.  You will find a lot of features in this demo, like the ability to lock and unlock doors remotely, text messages when someone enters your home, control lights, record video, and open and close shades.  You can check out the video below and also visit Nexia Home.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces, Special Media

Comments No Comments

Penclic – the Pen Mouse

Posted by Andrew at 8:25 AM on February 3, 2012

Penclic MouseSwedish company Penclic think that the pen is mightier than the sword mouse so Andy gets to grips with the Penclic Mouse to see if it’s true.

A picture paints a thousand words and once you’ve seen the picture to the left, you’ll pretty much have grasped (sorry) the concept. You hold the Penclic Mouse as you would hold a pen and the base moves with your hand.

The Penclic Mouse is offered in two models, a wireless R2 and a corded D2, with all the features of a standard mouse, including left & right buttons and a scroll wheel. Available now from good retail stores at around $80 for the wireless version.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net.

Sponsored by:
GoDaddy.com get 25% off 1 year 4GH Web Hosting use Promo Code CES2
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
Callisto.fm Real Time Media Analytics Beta Signup
PlayPlay

Podcast (specmedia): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , ,

Posted in Accessory, ces, Gadgets, Special Media

Comments No Comments

« Older Entries