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Tag: Android

Geniatech Brings Android TV to Market

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 8:00 PM on February 20, 2012

Geniatech has introduced a very small settop box that is called Enjoy TV.  The small white box packs a lot of features into it, including a MicroSD card slot, infrared remote control, ethernet, HDMI, USB, and WiFi.  App Makers will be able to tailor the apps they build to this box and make them ready for the big screen TV.  Geniatech describes it in the following manor:

“It provides a new family television entertainment experience. It is an Android TV tuner box, an Android HD Media player, a Mini Android PC, an IPTV Set-top box, a home media Hub & NAS and a DLNA server. With it, Internet live streaming & Video-on-demand, live TV, music, games and more, all instantly on your TV.”

Not only is this a video solution, but you can use all Android apps through it, even gaming.  The box comes with a small, simple remote control as well.  The remote even has a gyro sensor in it so it doubles as a wireless mouse as well.  The MSRP is expected to be under $100, but retailers will be able to customize the box with additional features that could raise that price.  There is also an alternate remote, which is geared to the enthusiasts.  It’s already available is some parts of Europe and will be released is the U.S. sometime in 2012.  You can find it at Geniatech.

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

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From Mobile to Big Screen Digilink BiggiFi

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 11:18 AM on February 19, 2012

Ever wish you could reproduce what you are seeing on that mobile device up on your big screen TV?  Digilink Software may have what you are looking for and it’s called, appropriately enough, BiggiFi.  They have a tiny palm-sized box that connects to your TV, called Enjoy TV, which hooks directly to your TV via HDMI like any settop box, and can then hook wirelessly to any Android device.  This isn’t just for some mobile video, but also gaming and even web browsing.

The big feature here that we haven’t seen in past solutions is the wireless part.  Previously most solutions involved some sort of wire running from the mobile device to the TV – usually an HDMI to Mini HDMI cable.   Even during wireless gaming it can sense the phone’s accelerometer and move with it.

You will need the Enjoy TV box to use this, but the client app is free to install on your device, although future “Pro” features will be coming.  You can see it in action in the video below and also visit Digilink Software for more info.

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

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3feet Universal Smartphone and Tablet Stand

Posted by Andrew at 11:00 AM on February 19, 2012

3feet Universal Smartphone and Tablet Stand3feet almost need no introduction. Their universal smartphone and tablet stands are well-known for their neat design and their (probably) unique feature of being dishwasher-proof.

Being universal, the 3feet stand works with iPads, TouchPads, Playbooks, Xooms, iPhones, Nexus, Galaxies, Lumias, Nooks, Kindles… Pretty much anything that’s reasonably flat and you want to see. The 3feet can hold a device at three different angles.

Moving away from the gratuitous product placement, there’s now a wider range of basic colours (11) and the opportunity to have different colours for different parts of the stand. The stand is made from recycled plastic and it’s all made in the USA.

Available from good retailers for around $20.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Andy Smith of Geocaching World.

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Posted in Android, Apple, ces, HTC, Interview, IPAD, iPhone, Kindle, Nook, smartphone, Special Media, tablet, travel accessories

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Diamond Wireless Range Extender and Set-Top Box Preview

Posted by Andrew at 8:31 AM on February 15, 2012

Diamond Wireless Range Extender WR300NI remember building a PC many years ago and at that time, Diamond Multimedia was one of *the* graphics card companies. I even seem to remember that it was VL-bus card, so that dates it to a pre-Pentium era. Anyway, it’s great to see that Diamond is still around when so many others have fallen by the wayside. Todd interviews Louis Kokenis from Diamond Multimedia on the latest products.

The Diamond Wireless Range Extender has three functions in one. First, it’s a wireless repeater that eliminates deadspots in wireless coverage. Second, it’s a wireless bridge that will connect a wired network device to the wireless network and third, it’s a standalone wireless access point, creating wireless hotspot from a single network point. With regard to the last mode, the WR300N’s small size means that it’s great for travelling and creating a wireless network in a hotel room. On-sale now for around $60.

Diamond will be introducing an Android-based TV set-top box that combines web browser, media player, ebook reader, game console, anything that can be downloaded from the Android Market. It won’t be tied to any particular media provider as it will either be able to download an app, e.g. Netflix, or else it will be able to browse to any website and play media directly. Sounds cool, especially if it runs ICS.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Steve Lee of NetCast Studio for the TechPodcast Network.

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Posted in Android, ces, google, Interview, Media, Network, Set Top Box, Special Media, travel accessories, TV, wifi, wireless

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

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Second Line App for Smartphones from Line2

Posted by Andrew at 10:15 PM on February 14, 2012

Line2 PhoneIf you’ve ever wanted a second line on your smartphone but don’t have a dual SIM phone (and let’s be honest, who does?), you’ll be interested in this app from Line2. Andy and Don get a demo from Peter on what the app offers.

The Line2 app provides a second line by using a VoIP connection over 3G or wi-fi. All the features of a telephony service are present with a phone number, voicemail, text messaging, call-forwarding and so on. There’s also HD audio if you are calling another Line2 user.

Being a data service and able to use wi-fi means that it’s possible to send and receive calls where there’s no mobile phone signal but there is a wireless connection. SIM-less devices such as iPod Touches or wi-fi-only tablets can become phones too.

Available for both iPhone and Android, monthly subscriptions start at $9.95 a month.

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

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Posted in Android, Apple, application, ces, google, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, ipod, mobile, smartphone, Special Media, tablet, voip, wifi

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Feedair Adds a Ticker to Your iPhone or Android

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 9:04 AM on February 14, 2012

Andy McCaskey discovered a cool little piece of hardware as he was roaming the floor of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month.  The device is called Feedair (pronounced “Feeder”) and it adds your own personal ticker to your mobile device.  Once the app is installed on your handset, and the device is connected, you can set it on your desk, nightstand, or wherever and it will display the most important information coming in on our device from all of the constantly updating services we all use.  The app also provides automatic check-in, so if another person in your office is also using it you will receive a message when he or she enters the office, without any interaction from either party.

The Feedair device retails for $50 and it won a Best of CES 2012 award.  It’s available in several colors and you can find out more by visiting Feedair on the web, and also watching the video below.

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

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Lil’ Wiz Vibration Speaker

Posted by Andrew at 8:47 AM on February 14, 2012

Lil' Wiz Vibration SpeakerCourtney introduces her favourite “party-in-a-pocket”, the Lil’ Wiz. It’s a mini vibration speaker that converts any flat surface into a loudspeaker.

There are two Lil’ Wiz models – the first is a basic MP3 player and takes microSD cards ($79). The second has Bluetooth and will stream music from any Bluetooth-equipped smartphone or tablet, both iOS and Android ($99).

Both have rechargeable batteries, though it’s not clear how long the battery can be expected to last. A special mount connects the Lil’ Wiz to glass or other smooth hard surface to use a window as a speaker.

I can’t imagine the Lil’ Wiz provides audiophile levels of sound but it seems to be a fun device for some impromptu music.

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDR News.

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Posted in Android, Bluetooth, ces, Gadgets, Interview, iPhone, ipod, MP3, Music, SD Card, Speakers, Special Media

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ProDock Brings Your Mobile Devices to the TV

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 8:46 AM on February 9, 2012

ProDock is a new way of hooking up your mobile device to your TV.  Many smartphones and tablets these days have mini HDMI ports, but ProDock goes one better with a 6 foot cable that plugs into the USB port on your device allowing you to then connect a full-size HDMI cable to the other end of the dock.  With this added 6 feet of room you no longer have keep your phone uncomfortably close to your TV.  There are a few things required though.  First the device must have MHL built-in and the technology is fairly new, so only the latest Android smartphones currently have this.  According to their literature,

“MHL is a high definition video and audio interface standard designed for connecting mobile devices to HD TVs. Supports up to 1080p HD video, 60 fps and digital audio output, Dolby 7.1 support. Technology was established by the MHL™ Consortium and is supported by multiple handset vendors.”

The current list price for the ProDock streamer kit is $49.95 and is available now from the manufacturer at ibolt.co.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine.

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Peel Recommends TV Shows For You

Posted by Andrew at 12:24 AM on February 9, 2012

Peel on iOS and AndroidIn the “old days” finding enjoyable TV programmes relied on three sources – in programme advertising for another show, flicking through the channels or your friends saying, “Did you watch xxxx last night? It’s brilliant!” At CES, Andy and Courtney discover Peel, a fourth way of discovering great new TV shows.

Peel is an iPhone and Android app which offers show recommendations based on your viewing habits and the shows that your friends and family are watching.

The app offers “Top picks” based on what you watch and you can rate shows as favourites or as “guilty pleasures” – I think we all know what that means! The app also gives “Friends’ favourites”, the shows that everyone else is watching, so you can catchup with what’s hot.

It’s not clear whether Peel is US-centric or not, but it’s a free app, so there’s nothing to lose.

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

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