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Networking

Screen lets parents curb their kids’ screen addiction

Many parents would love to monitor the amount of time their kids spend using various devices –- especially when homework needs to be done.

patent-claimedScreen is a small set-top box that lets parents limit the screen time their kids are spending across devices including computers, smartphones, tablets, streaming set-top boxes, TVs and video game consoles. The device controls up to three TV-connected devices. But it works in conjunction with an Android and iOS app for parents that lets them monitor the use of any devices wherever they or their kids are.

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Connected Objects

Spendwallet wants to be all your credit cards

Electronic payment has become a popular way for consumers to shop without having to schlep around a wallet full of credit cards to be used in multiple stores. But mobile payment via a smartphone doesn’t quite solve the problem because Apple Pay and Android Pay require NFC technology that can only be used in a relatively small number of U.S. retail stores. Phones can also ring while trying to pay for something with it or be damaged if the cashier drops it.

Spendwallet is a new alternative -– a slim, pocket-sized electronic payment device that consolidates up to 20 credit, debit and gift cards. It uses magnetic vibration technology like Samsung Pay. Spendwallet’s version of that tech is its self-developed Magnetic Flux Emulation (MFE). The device generates a magnetic field that makes a card reader respond as if a physical credit card is actually being swiped.

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Connected Objects Cycling

The FeelSpace belt pokes and prods you back home

Getting to a destination has never been easier with smart devices and their large, colorful screens capable of showing the exact way to a destination. While that’s a perfect solution when simply walking around, that’s not quite the case when it’s particularly sunny, there’s a lack of connectivity, or when riding a bike, easily becoming obtrusive to the activity at hand.

To address these navigational challenges, the team behind the FeelSpace belt took the information on the screen and found another way to communicate it: through directional vibrations on the belt itself. This means that vibrations on the belt go off whenever the wearer needs to change direction, making navigation effortless.

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Wearables

The Pebble Core wearale agent helps runners at a new clip

Crowdfunding darling Pebble, the company behind the first truly successful smartwatch, is back at it again. In refining its brand of practical design, the company recently debuted its next generation of devices. While the two smartwatches introduced, the Pebble 2 and Pebble Time 2, were expected, a third device called the Pebble Core is the company’s attempt at an ultra-wearable that ends being surprisingly useful on a daily basis.

One of the biggest things about the Pebble Core is its tiny size, the result of it having been designed first and foremost as a workout companion. With it clipped to the collar of a shirt or at the end of a tank top, there’s no need for a bulky smartphone wrapped around the arm or waist. Without a smartphone, though, those who are active have to contend with being disconnected, a problem the Core solves with its built-in micro-SIM card reader. This allows it to connect via 3G in order to track pace and distance (in conjunction with its embedded GPS), stream music using Spotify, send emergency text messages, and interface with a wide array of fitness apps, from Google Fit to MapMyFitness.

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Technology

Gole1 PC scores goals with small size, dual operating systems

There are many PCs and tablets on the market with Intel processors. But few of them can fit in one’s pocket or come with Windows and Android operating system compatibility out of the box.

Gole1 is being marketed as the smallest and cheapest all in-one Intel PC available. But it more closely resembles a tablet. It comes with a 5-inch, HD touchscreen display and the dual operating systems. Users can switch from Windows 10 to Android 5.1 by using the “Switch to Android” app icon on the Windows desktop. Gole1 is powered by the Intel Cherry Trail Z8300 processor and runs Windows 10 Home.

Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, four USB ports and a microSD card reader that supports up to 64 GB of storage. It can also be connected to a TV or projector via HDMI. The device offers two hours of power with the built-in 2600mAh battery, but its power can be extended by any 5V/3A Micro-USB power bank.

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Robots/Drones Sports

Trainerbot could take your ping pong to Forrrest Gump levels

Ping pong is one of those sports that absolutely requires another person to play with. There are a lot of caveats to that, though: If both players are terrible, not much will happen in the way of actual ping pong. If skills levels are vastly different, not much will happen in the way of actual ping pong AND someone’s feelings will be hurt. As a result, it’s difficult to effectively practice playing ping pong.

The Trainerbot turns any table into a suitable location for some hardcore ping pong practice. Its lightweight design can hold 30 ping pong balls but still be tossed into a backpack. This robot has a lot of functionality, able to serve any type of shot (topspin, backspin, sidespin) anywhere on a table and adjust difficulty depending on a player’s skill level.

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Connected Objects Imaging

YME-D1 puts you in the action for panoramic imaging

As virtual reality (VR) continues to be one of the most talked about technologies, the number of cameras on the market that can capture VR-capable, 360-degree video is growing as well.

YME-D1 is a connected panoramic imaging action camera that features an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and a Sunplus 6350 chipset that can capture VR-capable 360-degree video at 1440p (30 frames per second) and 1080p (also 30 fps). Standard recording options include loop recording and time lapse.

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Connected Objects Displays

SeeNote puts a connected sticky note on your wall

While most companies are busy trying to figure out how to get additional devices into your home, there a wide variety of tried-and-true inventions like the infamous sticky note that do their jobs exceptionally well. The team behind the SeeNote took it as inspiration in developing its always-on, connected version of the veritable yellow legend.

The SeeNote is an attractively styled 4.2 inch square with a polycarbonate body and matte finish that can stick anywhere using an integrated 3M Command strip for easy and damage-free mounting. Its 300 dpi E-paper multi-touch display communicates important information like calendar appointments commute delays, previously set reminder, or even messages from family and friends through email or the SeeNote app.