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


Runaway Air-Fi Bluetooth Headset by Meelectronics Review

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 10:28 AM on May 10, 2013

HP-AF32-RB-MEE-1I picked up the Runaway Air-Fi AF32 Bluetooth Headsets from Meelectronics this week. They are a part of the Air-Fi series. I chose to get the black and red ones, they are black on the outside and have a red pad on the earpieces and at the top of the band. The band can be adjusted to fit your head.  They sit nicely on my ears. The controls which are on the side of the headphones include the button to connect to your Bluetooth device, the forward and reverse button and the volume button. Once I remembered where they were controlling them was easy. The headset also has a hidden headphone. I had no trouble connecting the headphones to any of my devices and including an iPad mini, a Mac Mini and a Galaxy Nexus. I used the headphone to disconnect a call and it worked well. Depending the capability of your phone you maybe able to use the headphones to make a voice call, this worked fine with my Galaxy Nexus .

How do they sound? First I have to say I am not an audiophile so your experience may differ. I thought they sounded good however like a lot of headphones of today the base is emphasized but that is something that I like. I did hear some crackling and hiss noise while I was listening to one song yesterday, however at the time I had walked downstairs away from the device and it was a song I had ripped at a lower bit level. The one thing I appreciate is that if you are having a problem with the Bluetooth connection there is an audio cable included that you can use to connect it to your device and use it as a wired device. According to the website the headphone audio play back will last up to twelve hours on a full charge and about ten hours of talk time. Unfortunately your device’s battery will drain much quicker than the headphone, so when you are not using it, make sure to turn it off along with the Bluetooth connection on your device. It takes about four hours to charge the headphones. They do fold up, however not as flat as I would like them to, they do however fit nicely in the supplied carrying bag.

Overall despite some hiccups I am happy I purchased the Runaway Bluetooth Headsets. They are available on the website and other online stores including Amazon from around $70.00 up to $99.00 depending on the color you choose. I was fortunate enough to get them for almost half price by getting them through the Lockergnome Deal Website. If you are looking for a decent pair of on ear stereo Bluetooth headphones I would take a look at the Meelectronic Runaway AF32 Headsets.

Microsoft to Buy Nook?

Posted by J Powers at 9:15 AM on May 9, 2013
Nook

Nook

Microsoft is looking at the Barnes & Noble Nook – and they are willing to pay $1 billion for them.

Barnes and Noble stock rose 16% as news flew about Microsoft wanting to purchase the Nook e-reader, tablet and e-book business. This, just days after an announcement that Nook was allowing users to download via Google Play. Barnes and Noble also considered spinning off the Nook to its own company.

According to a document obtained by TechCrunch, if Microsoft was to obtain Nook, the Android-based tablet would be discontinued and the e-reader would be phased out at a later time. The expectation would be to merge Nook e-reader into the Microsoft Windows 8 tablet.

Right now, 10 million Nook devices have been sold, with 7 million active subscribers.

HAPIfork Helps You Monitor Your Eating Habits

Posted by JenThorpe at 9:19 PM on April 20, 2013

HAPILABSHAPILABS has created a specialized fork that can help people to monitor their eating habits, and potentially lose weight as a result. It is called HAPIfork, and it has a Kickstarter that will gather funding until June 1, 2013.

Those who cannot wait to get their hands on the HAPIfork have the option of pledging $89.00 (or more) to the Kickstarter in order to get their very own “smart fork” for $10.00 off the regular price. HAPILABS will begin shipping those out in September of 2013.

The HAPIfork monitors and keeps track of your eating habits. It pays attention to “fork servings”, which is described as “every time you bring food from your plate to your mouth” (with the HAPIfork). It will note how long it took for you to eat your meal, the amount of “fork servings” you took per minute, and the interval of time between each “fork serving”.

The data is then uploaded via USB to your Online Dashboard, so you can track your progress. Each HAPIfork comes with the HAPILABS app and a coaching program that will help you improve your eating behavior. There is a HAPILABS mobile app for Android and Windows mobile that will keep track of health, fitness, sleep, relaxation, and physical activities. Data can be loaded to the app via Bluetooth.

Eat too quickly, and the HAPIfork will vibrate to let you know that you need to slow down. It is subtle, and I think most people would prefer that type of notification instead of a loud sound or a flashing light that would instantly attract the attention of everyone else in the room. When your meal is over, you can wash HAPIfork either in the sink or the dishwasher.

The primary concept is to encourage people to eat more slowly in order to avoid digestive problems, weight gain, and post-operative complications. This amusingly named “smart fork” sounds like an interesting device to use if you are hoping to lose some weight.

Review: Striker Magnetic Light Mine

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 10:02 AM on March 12, 2013

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Despite not actually being in attendance at the Consumer Electronics Show, I was not immune to the fever as I covered the great videos being fed to the writing team here at GNC. One company in particular caught my attention — Striker was offering a couple of very cool little devices at even cooler prices. In short, writing about that interview ended up costing me a bit of money.

I purchased two different items, but I will get to the other one in a future review. Today I wanted to cover the Magnetic Light Mine — named such because of its resemblance to a World War II mine. The tiny protrusions each have a magnet, but they also provide stability that lets you rotate it and shine the light in virtually any direction, from a magnetic surface or just a tabletop or floor. It has a 360 radius.

The Magnetic Light Mine is about the size of a golfball, but has a high output, wide angle, intensely bright LED that does an adequate job of lighting up a workspace, especially handy for the underside of a car hood or the inside of an electrical panel door. Personally I purchased two and plan to use them mostly for my son and I’s camping trips, since they will take up almost no space in a backpack.

The light comes for only $6.99 from Striker, and there is a larger version that retails for around $20.

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Able Planet Gamer’s Choice

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:30 AM on March 1, 2013

able Able Planet winner of several awards over the years for their Linx Audio Technology showed off their new gaming headphones at CES 2013 the Gamers’ Choice. Linx Audio Technology enables you to hear frequencies you can’t hear normally or with other technology. It splits the signal in to three tone harmonics . This technology enhances sound quality and clarity, reduces distortion and because it is an analog technology it also reduces interference from other digital devices.

The new gaming headphone with the Linx Audio Technology comes in eight colors. It has an adjustable headphone strap. You can easily move the microphone to the position you want. It also has an inline volume control, The headphones come with several adapters so you can use them with portable gaming devices, laptops and an Xbox. One headphone for all your gaming needs. The adapter for the laptop is also a must for podcasters with older laptops it will turn your audio into 16 bits and reduce the hissing sound. For more information about these headphones, lynx technology and other Able Planet products visit the Able Planet website

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine, and Interview by Nick DiMeo of F5 Live.

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iOmount’s New iOstand

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 10:52 AM on February 28, 2013

iOmount iOmount introduced a system for mounting and displaying your device, either tablet or called the iStand. The iStand system consist of a disc that adheres to the device, the nub and a stand with a solid steel ball on top. The disk can either adhere directly to the device or to a cover. The nub, which goes between the device and the steel ball has two magnets in it one that adheres to the disk on the device and the other one adheres to the steel ball on the stand. These are rare earth magnets and they are available in different strengths depending on the size of the device you are going to be mounting to the stand. The use of magnets lets you to have your device at almost any angle you want it.

iOmount newest product is a travel stand which has a hollow ball making it lighter than the traditional desk stand which has a solid steel ball. The travel iOStand also comes with a clamp so you can clamp it directly on to an airline tray if you need to. iOmount is working on a way to bring power up through the stand.

The iOstand is $100.00 for the Black and White Powder coated and $120.00 for the stainless steel coated. You can purchase one at the iOmount website. iOmount also sells the iOmini for smartphones and the iOwall which allows you to mount your tablet to the wall.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine, and Interview by Nick DiMeo of F5 Live.

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Behringer’s iStudio

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 12:35 PM on February 27, 2013

Behringer iStudio Behringer showed off the iStudio at CES 2013. They recently added a version that works with the iPad 5’s Lightning Connector.  This is an audio interface which the iPad docks into. There is all the connectivity you need to do professional audio work when you are mobile. There are inputs for both condenser or dynamic microphones. There is also an RCA input for line in or turntable and a Midi interface to plug a keyboard into. There is an output to connect to a studio monitor. The iStudio is great for professional musicians and also for podcasters.

The iStudio with the traditional connector is available now for $199.00. The nine pin Lightning connector will be available in quarter two and will also sell at $199.00. Information about where you can purchase the iStudio is available at the Behringer website

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine.

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The Tea Maker

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 10:45 AM on February 27, 2013

Tea Maker I drink coffee, but I also like to drink tea and since my husband doesn’t drink either a single serving machine with capsules is a great option for me. There are many single serving coffee machines on the market that use capsules, however there have been no machines that use capsules to make single serving of tea until now. The Cambridge Consultants Group has created a single serving capsule machine that is made specifically for tea.

The capsule with the tea in it is submerges in water. The capsule spins so the water goes into the center of the capsule and then out the sides and then back in through the center. This circulation is similar to the traditional tea making system. Then air is bubbled through the system to get rid of the bitterness that tea will often have. Right now the Tea Maker is still a prototype showing proof of concept and they are looking for companies who might be interested in manufacturing it. Once it does come out the Tea Maker should be priced around the same as similar coffee machines.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine.

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EyeMirror

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:36 AM on February 27, 2013

EyeMirror The EyeMirror adapter combined with the GoPro 3 camera has created the world’s first 360 degree compact 4K camera. They have modified the optics of the GoPro. The frame rate while the camera with the EyeMirror adapter is in 360 mode will run at twenty-four frames per second, compared to twelve frames per second on the regular GoPro 3. It can output a 4k video. It works underwater down to hundred fifty feet, great for scuba divers, snorkelers, and surfers.

EyeMirror is getting interest from Disney, the military, law enforcement and many more. The whole kit which includes the EyeMirror plus the GoPro 3 will be around $800.00 expect six-eight weeks for delivery. You can find more information about EyeMirror and its many possibilities at the EyeMirror

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

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Vivick’s Latest Gadgets

Posted by Andrew at 6:31 PM on February 26, 2013

Vivick HeadphonesCanadian firm Vivick produce a wide range of gadgets, covering everything from iPhone cases, laptop accessories and AV gear. Andy and Scott look at three of the latest products.

On show from Vivick is anLED desk lamp speaker that can be driven via Bluetooth but wouldn’t look out of place on the set of a 70s sci-fi movie. Continuing the theme, they had a Bluetooth headset which looked a bit more up-to-date but I can’t comment on the sound quality. Finally, they showed off a combo-laptop / USB rechargeable battery which had some really good design ideas. It seems to be a brand new product as it doesn’t yet feature on their website, but if you are a battery hogging traveller, keep an eye out for it.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and Scott Ertz of F5 Live for the TechPodcast Network, who should be commended for keeping the interview going.

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