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


PaySaber Point-of-Sale Terminal for iPhone

Posted by Andrew at 9:01 AM on February 1, 2012

POS PaySaberAndy chats to Matt from PaySaber at CES‘s Showstoppers about their iPhone-based point-of-sale (POS) solutions.

The PaySaber is a portable handheld POS terminal sled that incorporates a barcode reader, card swipe and thermal printer into the unit. An iPhone or iPod Touch slots into the PaySaber to provide the screen and the wireless communication for the transaction.

The flexibility provided by the iPhone allows credit processing in the normal way, but gives additional benefits such as emailed receipts. From the moment the card is swiped, the whole transaction is encrypted and secure, so the credit card information is never transmitted in cleartext. As you’d expect from any POS system, PaySaber can be configured to interface with inventory systems to automatically deduct items from stock as a sale is completed.

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 Apple, application, ces, iOS, iPhone, ipod, scanner, smartphone, Special Media

Comments No Comments

Sennheiser Unveils High End Headphones

Posted by Andrew at 8:39 AM on January 31, 2012

Sennheiser is one of the big names in headphones, so it’s not unsurprising that a few of the latest models were released at CES. Nick hears the latest for sound buffs from Eric.

First up are the HD 700s, an open headset approaching reference standard. With a wide soundstage, angled transducers give it a sound experience similar to listening to a speaker array; other features are designed keep the sound as pure as possible. These headphones are aimed at audiophiles who want to hear every nuance of the recording. Pricey at around $1000.

Next are the HD 800s, a futuristic-looking headset that takes audio purity and quality to an amazing level. Every detail has a purpose in the design, giving unparalleled acoustic reproduction for the total audio purist. Even more pricey at around $1500.

And finally, the Sennheiser Amperior brings the world-famous HD 25s to portable devices by optimising the impedance to give superior sound from a smaller unit. Suitable for all MP3 players, Apple iPods and iPhones, the Amperior comes with an inline remote and mic. Available from March for around $350.

Interview by Nick DiMeo 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 Apple, audio, ces, digital audio, Gear, Home Theater, iPhone, ipod, MP3, Music, Special Media

Comments No Comments

j5 create’s Wormhole Station

Posted by Andrew at 8:33 AM on January 31, 2012

j5create logoj5 create‘s background in USB display adaptors means they know a thing or two about using both hardware and software to create unique solutions. j5 Create’s Wormhole cable is one such solution as it joins two computers into one…and they don’t even have to be running the same OS. Fred shows Jeffrey and Steve some of the benefits of this innovative technology, which won a CES Innovation Honoree award.

At its most basic the Wormhole switch is simply a USB 2 cable that connects between two computers, but clever software allows the computers to work together, with one keyboard and mouse being shared between the two. The OS of the two devices doesn’t have to be the same and an Android tablet being controlled by a Windows PC is perfectly possible. Files can be seamlessly transferred between the two machines as well. Pretty smart.

Moving on to a second product, j5 create has a very desirable line of small docking stations for laptops that are little more than foot-long shiny tubes with a plethora of ports. Branded “ultrastations” and connecting via USB 3, these take full advantage of the faster data rate to provide a myriad of connections, including HDMI, through a single USB 3 cable. Nice.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast and Steve Lee of Netcast Studio.

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 Android, Apple, ces, google, IPAD, Microsoft, Special Media, USB, Windows

Comments No Comments

Savvy Price Protection – Save Even More!

Posted by Andrew at 12:25 PM on January 29, 2012

Savvy logoCourtney looks at a cure for the shopping hangover with Samantha from Savvy at CES‘ Digital Experience.

I think we’ve all been there where we buy something and then a few weeks later, see the same item in a sale or otherwise discounted. If you can be bothered to return to the store with your receipt, most stores will refund the difference, but the reality is that only 1% of consumers can be bothered.

Savvy makes it really easy to make sure that you get the best possible value from your purchases. You simply snap a photo of your shopping receipt and if the price falls from what you paid, you get a notification of the price drop. A handy Savvy app for both iPhone and Android helps with the uploading of the receipt and you can use the website too. It’s all free for consumers and over 200 retailers have signed up to the program including Best Buy, Fry’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and the Disney Store.

Sounds like a great way to save money with minimum effort. Let’s just hope it Savvy doesn’t tell you how much you spent in a year!

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDR News.

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 Android, Apple, ces, google, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, smartphone, Special Media, tablet

Comments No Comments

Blue Microphones’ Tiki, Mikey and Spark

Posted by Andrew at 6:38 PM on January 28, 2012

Blue Microphones LogoIf you’ve listened to the Geek News Central podcast for a few years, you might have heard Todd talking about Blue Microphones as his mic supplier of choice. Here Todd and Don talk shop with Jon Maier.

Blue Microphones returns to CES this year with three new mics, all in the portable space. The new Mikey Digital is designed for the Apple’s newer digital connector rather than the older analogue one, meaning that more digital processing can be done on the microphone itself. In particular, auto-level sensing can adjust the input gain depending on the loudness of the source.

The Tiki is a brand new small USB device that’s been in development for over a year. It plugs directly into the USB port on the side of a laptop and has intelligent signal processing so that extraneous noise, such as typing, is ignored. It’s aimed at Skype and Google Talk users but it’s still a high quality recording device, so if needed, the DSP can be turned off to record live music as naturally as possible.

The studio-grade Spark Digital is a USB and iPad version of their pro mike, the Spark, both of which have glorious retro looks. Sitting in a shock mount, it looks great. Utility-wise, the Spark Digital converts the iPad into a mobile studio.

All the mics are expected to be available in the spring. Prices are $59 for Tiki, $99 for the Mikey Digital and $199 for the Spark Digital.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor, 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 Apple, audio, BluMic, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, smartphone, Special Media, USB

Comments No Comments

Keep Your Tablet Clear with the Lenspen SideKick

Posted by Andrew at 5:16 PM on January 28, 2012

Lenspen LogoLenspen have a long history of products in the photography market and they’ve brought their expertise of lens cleaning to the mobile gadget space. Their client list reads like a who’s who of the photography market with Nikon, Canon and Sony all producing OEM-branded version of Lenspen’s lens cleaning tools. Todd and Don chat with Peter from Lenspen to get an update on the latest products.

Last year, Lenspen introduced the first SideKick and since then the product line has been expanded with new colours and new packaging. The SideKick is a matchbox-sized sprung-loaded carbon pad that is wiped over the screen and completely removes fingerprints from tablet and smartphone screens. Using a carbon-based technology, the SideKick absorbs oils without any abrasion leaving a perfectly cleaning screen. It then closes up to keep all the carbon inside and one cartridge will do 300-400 cleanings before needing to be replaced. The SideKick is available online and in retail stores from $14.99 for a single SideKick. Other package combinations are available.

Lenspen also has specific cleaning products for LCD monitors and screens, such as the Laptop-Pro, that removes both dust and fingerprints.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor 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 Android, Apple, ces, Gear, IPAD, iPhone, Photography, smartphone, Special Media, tablet

Comments No Comments

Kidz Gear Volume Limiting Headphones

Posted by Andrew at 5:06 PM on January 28, 2012

Volume Limiting Headphones

CES regular Jack Peterson talks with Todd and Don on the latest headphones for children from Kidz Gear.

Kidz Gear produces headphones with smaller headbands and ear cups to fit the smaller heads of children. This year they’ve brought to the market new wired headphones that have a built-in volume limiter that prevents children’s hearing becoming damaged through excessive sound levels. The headphones reduce the maximum sound level by about 20% into the 80-95 decibel range.

The new headphones are compatible with the iPad, iPhone and iPod ranges and include an inline remote  and mic control. They’re available from the Apple Store or direct from Kidz Gear for $29.99.

An additional new product in the same vein is a volume limit cable which can be added to already-purchased headphones to make them safer for children. Priced at only $9.99, there’s currently a special price of $5.99 showing on-line.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor 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 Apple, ces, health, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, MP3, Music, smartphone, Speakers, Special Media, tablet

Comments No Comments

iLuv Wins With New Travel Gadgets

Posted by Andrew at 4:10 PM on January 28, 2012

iLuv LogoiLuv will be familiar to many with their extensive range of matching accessories for tablets, smartphones and MP3 players. At CES this year, iLuv won no less than 5 CES Innovations Honoree awards to add to their collection of accolades. Todd gets a review of their latest products from Peter of iLuv.

The DreamTraveler is combined iPhone dock, USB charger and mains power strip squared aimed at those unfortunate souls who have to spend time in poorly equipped hotel rooms. It has two USB charging ports, three power outlets and an Apple connector for charging iPhones, iPods and iPads.

For the international traveller, iLuv has the RockWall, a dual USB charger that comes with the right mains plugs for different countries round the world.

Finally, the Mo’Beats is a portable tablet or smartphone cradle with Bluetooth wireless speakers that has a built-in lithium-ion battery which will run for about 4 hours.

All the products will be available in April or May. The Mo’Beats SRP is expected to be $89.99 but the website is currently showing $99.99. I think Peter gets his prices mixed up in the video as the RockWall is priced at $49.99 on the website and the DreamTraveler is $129.99.

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, Apple, Bluetooth, ces, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, MP3, Music, smartphone, Special Media, tablet, travel accessories, USB

Comments No Comments

Dock Your MacBook with Henge Docks

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 11:26 PM on January 25, 2012

Henge Docks may be a name you aren’t yet familiar with, but if you’re a MacBook owner then you may want to get to know this company a little better.  Henge Docks makes docking stations for the full line of Apple notebooks, including the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, and all sizes of each.  Since Apple doesn’t provide built-in docking capability it took a third-party company to come up with unique way of getting around that limitation.

Henge Docks was recently at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas to demonstrate their MacBook docking station and GNC caught up with them to get a look at how their system works.  You can see it in action in the video below, including the brand new MacBook Air dock which was shown for the first time at CES, and a few other cool new products in their line.  The line of docks range in price from $50-75 and you can check them out at Henge Docks.

Interview by Steve Lee of Netcast Studio.

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 Apple, ces, mac, Special Media

Comments 2 Comments

Biscotti TV Phone with Google Video Chat

Posted by Andrew at 8:52 AM on January 24, 2012

Biscotti LogoBiscotti‘s TV phone is a small camera unit that sits on top of your big screen TV, connecting to the TV via HDMI and to the network via WiFi. Once connected up, owners can make high-definition video calls to other Biscotti owners and Google Video Chat users.  And you will not believe how small the camera unit is. Todd chats to Matthew Shoemake to learn more.

The TV Phone uses an HDMI pass-through technology, meaning that there’s no need to change channels when receiving a call as the Biscotti notifies users via a pop-up message on screen. By using Google Video Chat, the Biscotti TV Phone can connect to any device that has a Chat client, whether it’s Android, iPhone or a PC. Connectivity with other video clients will be forthcoming, but no details just yet.

The Biscotti TV Phone is available for $199 and no monthly fees. Watch the video to get free shipping (disclaimer – not sure how long this promotion will run after CES finishes.)

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 Android, Apple, ces, Gadgets, google, smartphone, Special Media, tablet

Comments No Comments

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »