Geek News: Latest Technology, Product Reviews, Gadgets and Tech Podcast News for Geeks

BubbleScope Takes 360° Pictures and Video at The Gadget Show

Posted by Andrew at 11:31 PM on April 18, 2012

The BubbleScope is an optical attachment for smartphones that takes 360° pictures and video called “Bubbles”. The BubblePix smartphone app is used to capture, view and share online the Bubbles, which can be hosted free at bubblepix.com. The pictures below gives you a feel of wraparound nature of a Bubble but when it’s in the BubblePix app, it joins up seamlessly. Here’s one in a fountain - the effect is amazing.

Gadget Show Bubble

Rollercoaster Bubble

Shaped a bit like a periscope, the BubbleScope attaches to the to the smartphone and uses the phone’s built-in camera to record the imagery. The optical part of the scope pops up and down to keep it clean and undamaged. Available initially for the iPhone 4 & 4S, it will be on sale this summer for £64.99. Versions compatible with other leading smartphones (Android) will be released shortly afterwards.

BubbleScoppe

In the interview at the Gadget Show Live, I talk with Tom Lawton, the inventor of BubbleScope about the device and how it took ten years to turn it from idea to product.

This is my favourite interview from the Gadget Show Live, so if you only listen to one of these, listen to this one.

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Posted in Accessory, Android, Apple, google, Interview, iOS, iPhone, Photography, smartphone, Special Media

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3M’s Personal Projectors at The Gadget Show

Posted by Andrew at 12:28 AM on April 17, 2012

3M LogoPowerpoint and data projectors have become synonymous with business presentations and I dread to think how many people I have bored over the years. As with almost any technology, the data projectors have got smaller and cheaper, but this was the first time I’d seen how small personal projectors had become. As you can see from the photograph, most would actually fit in a (large) pocket.

3M Pocket Projectors

3M have a range of seven projectors, of which four were on show at The Gadget Show. Unsurprisingly, the different models have different capabilities and there’s more product information here (not all the new models are on the site yet), but I was genuinely impressed by how good the pictures were. The NEC is not a darkened room and yet it was easy to see the presentation or film that was being projected.

As you’d expect the different models have different features; battery size, wireless connectivity, in-built memory and a new model, the MP220, runs Android (it’s the one on the left side of the photograph). I chat with Peter from 3M about the new additions to the range.

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Posted in Accessory, Android, business, Gadgets, Gear, google, Interview, office, Special Media

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XBMC and AirPlay

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 6:24 PM on March 25, 2012

XMBC I have an Apple TVand iPad. One of my favorite things is the ability to take a video that’s on my iPad and then send it over to the Apple TV by using AirPlay. Let’s face it some videos are better on a bigger screen. Plus everything sounds much better on the Apple TV, which is connected to my sound system than it does on the iPad. The problem is I only have one Apple TV and there are times when I’m sitting up late at night and looking at my iPad and I see a video that I want to see on my large screen TV in the bedroom. To that TV I have attached a Mac Mini which I use as a media center. As part of that media center I installed Banana TV to AirPlay my videos from my iPad to that Mac Mini. However Banana TV no longer works with the iOS 5 update.

My favorite media center application is XBMC. XBMC is a free open source cross-platform media center. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Apple TV and many other devices. XBMC is highly customizable thru the many add-ons that are available. As a media center it was great however without Banana TV there was no way to get my video from my iPad to my Mac Mini, until now. XBMC has just gotten an the official update from Dhama to Eden and with this update AirPlay from the iPad to the Mac has become available. If you already have XBMC than go ahead and update to Eden. If you don’t have XBMC you can download it at the website. Once you’ve either updated or downloaded it, you want to go into Systems, then Network and then Services and tap down until you see where it says allow AirPlay and click enable. Now you can AirPlay videos from an iPad to a Mac, PC or Linux machine. There is one caveat it does not work with videos that have DRM installed, despite this caveat I am really glad this update has occurred.

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Posted in Accessory, Apple, application, Information

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TVman Wireless DTV Tuner by Dediprog

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 12:07 PM on February 26, 2012

TVman Do you want to watch over the air TV on your laptop or tablet while traveling, then the TVman Wireless DTV Tuner by Dediprog maybe what you are looking for. It is a digital TV receiver that allows you to watch over the air TV. It transfers the signal to any computer or tablet by Wi-fi. So there are no extra wires to carry around. The cord is the antenna. Because it doesn’t depend on 3G connectivity you get a full high def signal. Unlike other options available now which depend on the 3G signal and are often compressed. Dediprog distributes the product themselves and also  through other vendors. They expect to sell it in the US for around $100.00. It is available now in Japan and South America. They hope to have it available in Europe within 3 months and the US by end of the year.

Dediprog also showed off a second item which combines the wireless DTV tuner with 3G. The device can be used as a mobile hotspot or a digital TV receiver. Dediprog is trying to build partnerships with various mobile service providers which would provide the 3G connectivity. They also need to get FCC approval for both devices.

Both products are small enough to fit into a man’s front pocket. You carry them with you and as long as there is an over the air signal available you can watch TV. Not sure how long the battery last or how far the wi-fi signal travels. I expect you need to be in the same room as the device, but that is an assumption on my part. Both products will works with Android, iOS and Windows. I would love to get a hold of the device to test it, to see what kind of signal it picks up

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Steve Lee of Wave of Tech

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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