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


Casio G-Shock with iPhone Mobile Link

Posted by Andrew at 7:22 PM on January 31, 2013

Casio G-Shock GB6900AAFor digital watches, there’s really only one range to look at – Casio G-Shock. From day-to-day wear to aviation and snowsports, there’s a G-Shock watch that will fulfil your needs. The GB6900AA takes this to a new level, providing incoming call and email notifications from your iPhone. Don straps it on.

The GB6900AA has all the features of a rugged digital watch, but it also has a low-power Bluetooth transceiver, allowing the watch to connect to the Apple iPhone and display or buzz on incoming phone calls and new emails. As a security feature the watch will alert the owner if they get too far, reminding them not to leave their phone behind.

The GB6900AA is currently only certified to work with the iPhone 4S and 5, and there’s Casio’s “G-SHOCK+” application to be downloaded from the App Store. However, an Android version is expected later in the year. Available now in limited numbers for $180.

Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor.

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HeartMath Inner Balance for iOS

Posted by Andrew at 6:46 PM on January 30, 2013

HeartMath LogoIt’s a brave man who attempts to find inner balance at CES, but Jamie gives it a go with HeartMath‘s forthcoming Inner Balance.

HeartMath’s Inner Balance combines an iPhone app with a heart rate sensor, providing a feedback loop that helps people control their heart rate, relax and relieve stress. The sensor gently attaches to the earlobe and measures heart rate variability. The app uses a breath pacer and graphical display of the heart rate to help the person concentrate and control their breathing and pulse rate.

The Inner Balance sensor will be available in February for $99 and the free app can be downloaded from the Apple AppStore for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly.

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iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor at CES

Posted by Andrew at 6:15 PM on January 28, 2013

iHealth LogoJamie chats to Adam about the iHealth blood pressure monitor, an FDA-approved device that uses Bluetooth to transfer health data to a smartphone or tablet.

The new version  of the iHealth blood pressure monitor builds takes the original docking device and adds wireless data transfer using Bluetooth. The first version integrated with iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads but the Bluetooth feature expands the potential of the monitor to other smartphones and tablets. A cloud service complements the free app providing tracking and monitoring features and integration with other healthcare systems.

Aimed squarely at the home health market, there are two different models priced at $79 and $99, which is very affordable. Check out iHealth’s online store.

Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly.

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Griffin MicConnect for iOS at CES 2013

Posted by Andrew at 5:51 AM on January 26, 2013

Griffin MicConnectJeffrey Powers goes all Pop Idol when he chats to Jackie from Griffin Technology about the newly announced MicConnect, which connects iOS devices to XLR mics with phantom power.

The Griffin MicConnect is a small brick adaptor with an XLR socket (input) on one side for the microphone and a 3.5 mm jack on the other to connect into an iPhone, iPod or iPad. A 3.5 mm socket provides for headphone monitoring of the sound source and for condenser mics, the unit takes two AA batteries to provide phantom power (48V).

(As an aside, I’m not 100% clear if this is iOS only – the 3.5 mm jack looks pretty standard and there’s no reference to special apps being required so if Android is your OS of choice, it might be worth contacting Griffin directly.)

Included in the interview is Griffin’s updated Mic Stand Mount, which is now compatible with all iPad models (not Mini), and unsurprisingly holds an iPad on a mic stand. Jeffrey reckons the MicConnect and the Mount are a great combo for the mobile podcaster. Pricing-wise, both the MicConnect and the Mount are $39.99 but the MicConnect won’t be available until June.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine for the TechPodcast Network.

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Otterbox’s New Defender Charging Cases at CES 2013

Posted by Mike Dell at 5:16 PM on January 24, 2013

otterbox-logoTodd interviews Jess from Otterbox about their upcoming iPhone 5 defender series cases. The new Defender Series charging cases will double the battery life of an iPhone with the same protection that Otterbox is known for. The new cases come with an app that tells you the status of your phone battery, the case battery and estimates how long before you need to plug in the charger. The cases have a Micro USB connector so they are compatible with chargers and cords you have for many other phones and devices.

The cases for iPhone 5 will be available soon as they are approved by Apple. The MSRP is $129. For more information, check out otterbox.com

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

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Amazon Introduces AutoRip

Posted by JenThorpe at 2:07 AM on January 15, 2013

AudioRip logo Amazon has introduced a brand new service called AutoRip. This is a very different way of looking at music storage. In short, it takes the CD that you purchased from Amazon and puts it into your Amazon Cloud Player. It also will make that album available on your PC or Mac, Kindle Fire, Android phone, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Right now, this service is only available to customers in the United States.

This is a rather unexpected move in a time when record companies are screaming about pirating and copyright. Perhaps they aren’t complaining about AutoRip because it only allows users to put CDs that they really have purchased into the Amazon Cloud Player? I’m not sure.

It is clear that gifts of CDs that your friends or family purchased for you from Amazon are not eligible for AutoRip. There is also this interesting piece of “fine print”:

Some record companies require us (Amazon) to insert identifiers in the metadata that accompanies music when you download it from the Amazon MP3 Store or Cloud Player. This includes the music you have purchased from Amazon.com and matched music imported to Cloud Player from your device.

These identifies may include a random number Amazon assigns to your order or copy, purchase date and time, an indicator that the music was downloaded from Amazon, codes that identify the album or song (the UPC and ISRC), Amazon’s digital signature, an identifier that can be used to determine whether the audio has been modified, and an indicator whether the music was purchased from the MP3 store or imported to the Cloud Player.

Look for the AutoRip icon in search results and CD detail pages to find out if it is one you can use with this new service. The MP3 versions of your past AutoRip eligible CD purchases are already available in the Cloud Player, where they are being stored for free. CDs that you purchased through Amazon, from as far back as 1998, are eligible for AutoRip.

PowerSkin Unveils Next Generation of Battery Cases at CES 2013

Posted by JenThorpe at 4:11 PM on January 10, 2013

PowerSkinXPAL Power, Inc., is the maker of the PowerSkin line of cases for smartphones. They are shock-absorbing, battery-boosting, and compatible with both Android and Apple iOS devices. As you can see from the photo, the new line comes in some very eye catching colors!

PowerSkin is showcasing its new line-up at CES 2013. The Pro Series are a line of iPhone 5 battery cases. They feature a double-injection, TPU bezel with a soft touch, hard plastic shell. They come in 5 colors: white, black, titanium, red, and pink. Each has 2000 mAh of power and an LED indicator light on the front that you can glance at to do a visual battery check. The PowerSkin Pro line is the PowerSkins slimmest case yet.

They are also showcasing the PowerSkin Hybrid Battery Charger. It has small, flexible, suction cups that adhere externally to the back of your smartphone. It connects via a soft, flex tip to a micro-USB, Apple 30-pin, or Apple Lightning connector. This allows users to recharge their device without having to remove the current case. The PowerSkin Battery Charger has 2000 mAH of power capacity and can extend power between 50% and 70% (depending on the mAH of the device being charged). These also come in black, white, titanium, red, and pink.

The PowerSkin Battery Case for iPhone 5 has a new ultra-thin angular shape. The iPhone 5 Designer Series PowerSkin will extend talk time for up to 6 hours and Wi-Fi usage for up to 8 hours with its 1500 mAh power capacity. It has an on/off button to activate a charge of turn the PowerSkin off. There is a LED battery level indicator, making it easy for you to tell how much juice you have.

PowerSkin is unveiling the Ultra Thin design for the Samsung Galaxy S III case at CES 2013, (including 2 limited-edition colors).

PowerSkin is at CES 2013. You can find them at the Venetian Las Vegas Casino Hotel & Resort in Suite # 28-111.

Image by PowerSkin

This article written @ GeekNewsCentral.com and if seen anyplace else has been illegally re-posted.

Optrix Unveil the XD5 at CES 2013

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 2:36 PM on January 10, 2013

Optrix

If you like to film outdoor events and your iPhone 5 has become your favorite go to video camera then you may be interested in the Optrix XD5.  Optrix introduces the XD5 the world’s most rugged iPhone 5 case with a wide angle lens at CES 2013. The XD5 case is thinner, lighter and stronger than the XD Sport case, with an even higher waterproof rating. It has an interchangeable lens system, which can be removed from the mounting system. The XD5 comes with:

  1.  a drop rating of 15ft compared to 2Ft for an average case.
  2. a door that lets you easily access the charging port and plug-in headphones
  3. all glass, three element wide-angle lens
  4. is waterproof up to 15ft (with the door close)
  5. A rail mount system that the XD5 can easily slide in and then mount to almost anything you can think of.
  6. remove from the mount and you have a rugged case you can carry with you anywhere

XD5

The XD5 is currently available for pre-order on the Optrix site for $129.95 and will ships February 5. If you are CES 2013 you can view the XD5 and other Optrix products at their booth in the North Hall 3337.

Waterproof and Interchangeable Battery Cases by iBattz at CES 2013

Posted by JenThorpe at 10:19 PM on January 9, 2013

iBattz CaseiBattz offers a full line of power accessories designed for the iPhone and other intelligent mobile devices. They are introducing a brand new line of iPhone 5 cases at CES. This includes the highly anticipated Mojo Refuel, the Mojo Armor, and the AquaSeal Hi5.

The Mojo Refuel is for iPhone 5. It comes with 2 high capacity 19300 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries and 2 grooved silver and red colored bumpers. Choose from either a matt black or a gloss white.

It comes with an external USB charger that lets you charge additional batteries. A USB to Micro USB charging cable is provided for charge and sync directly from the battery case (without having to remove the case from the iPhone 5). The Mojo Refuel will be available in February of 2013 for $89.90.

Mojo Armor for iPhone 5 protects your iPhone 5 from drops, dust, splashes, and shocks. It is a rugged battery case that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a dual material case with high visibility orange trim and a black protective silicone sleeve to seal all ports.

It includes 2 high capacity 19300 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries, silver bumper and charge & sync cable and an additional USB charger for charging extra batteries. The Mojo Armor will be available in March of 2013 for $99.90.

AquaSeal Hi5 is waterproof. It can protect your iPhone 5 from drops into water. The AquaSeal Hi5 features a waterproof case and attachable 2500Ah aluminum battery. This one is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The AquaSeal Hi5 is described on the iBattz website as “Your iPhone 5 best buddy”.

You can find iBattz at CES 2013 in the North Hall in booth 5428. They will be showcasing the Refuel, Armor, and AquaSeal Hi5. Attendees of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show are invited to bring their current iPhone 4/4S/5 case to the iBattz booth for an upgrade to an iBattz charging case. Ask for details at the booth.

Image by iBattz

This article written @ GeekNewsCentral.com and if seen anyplace else has been illegally re-posted.

4iiii Innovations Announces Viiiiva at CES 2013

Posted by JenThorpe at 2:33 AM on January 9, 2013

Viiiiva4iiii Innovations has created the first heart rate monitor to enable an athlete’s ANT+ devices to “talk” to their iOS devices without the need for awkward adapters. This incredibly handy device is called Viiiiva. It can easily communicate with your iPhone or iPod touch in real time.

Viiiiva is a lightweight, comfortable chest strap heart rate monitor. The Liiiink Connectivity Module inside it is what turns your iPhone into a cycling computer or running monitor. Go get some exercise while wearing Viiiiva, and it will seamlessly deliver all the data about it to the free 4iiii app or any of the popular fitness apps. It uses an ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart bridge to do it.

This allows athletes to monitor their heart rate activity on an iPhone as well as a sport watch. You can adjust settings, review activity summaries, and receive performance feedback from your iPhone or iPod at anytime, anywhere.

Here are some quick features of Viiiiva HRM:

* Works with Garmin, TIMEX, adidas, and other popular displays
* Accurate heart rate measurement on your Bluetooth Smart iPhone without awkward adapters
* Liiiink can send heart rate, cadence, power, and speed, data to most popular iOS fitness apps, including Endomondo, MapMyFitness, Runtastic, Runmeter, Strava, Training Peaks, and Runkeeper. (when applicable ANT+ compatible sensors are connected)
* Viiiiva stores your data in .FIT files
* No need to recharge – Viiiiva runs on a coin-cell battery for over a year.

4iiii Innovations is at CES 2013, where they will be displaying Viiiiva HRM. Find them in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, at the ANT+ booth #26700.

Image by 4iiii Innovations