Tag: android

Categories
Home Sensors/IoT

Hoping to sneak in without getting caught? Don’t Blink

The Premise. Break-ins and burglaries happen at a rate that’s sure to make anybody feel unsafe. However, complex home security systems are bulky, inconvenient, and require monthly subscriptions to use.

The Product. Blink is a truly wireless home security system, not even requiring a cable for power. Blink starts with the Sync Module, which all of the Blink units report to and transmit to the cloud for phone access, alerts, and streaming video. Each of the Blink units offers a discreet, wireless camera with a full year of battery life. Each camera also includes a motion sensor, heat sensor, night vision, and an audio microphone. Because of the lack of power cables or ethernet cables, Blink can be moved, adjusted and repositioned to suit any possible needs.

The Pitch. Blink’s pitch video comes off a little strong and very commercial like, but the device speaks for itself. Seeing the alerts, streaming video, and how simple it is to customize a Blink system for any need is enough to put home security system complaints to bed for good. Blink is out to secure $200,000 for its project to complete fabrication, develop the beta version of the app, and conduct in-home trials.

The Perks. One Blink unit with a Sync Module can be picked up for $69 and will be ready for delivery in May 2015. To monitor more than one room, a 2 Blink system with Sync Module is available for $119. Anyone who wants to set up their home security system sooner can get the same package as part of the beta program for $149, shipping in March 2015. Packages for larger homes and resellers are also available at higher tiers.

The Potential. In terms of a home security system, Blink is sort of a “do-it-yourselfer.” Being able to access instant alerts and streaming HD video on the go is an awesome way to determine if there is really a break-in happening versus something routine tripping the motion sensor, but without an instant response system to notify law enforcement, that falls onto the owner’s responsibility to review the tape and then take it a step further and call the police. The wireless system is great both for convenience and flexibility, but also to disguise the security system and keep potential threats on their toes. All in all, as long as homeowners can remember to keep the batteries fresh and don’t mind having the cops on speed dial, Blink is an extremely attractive home security option.

 

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

cPulse phone case shines some light on whatever you’re up to

cpulseIt’s common sense to put smartphones in cases to prevent any damage to the device if dropped or worse. But why don’t cases do more than just protect? cPulse is a new smart LED lighting case for Android phones that offers a variety of functions using 128 LEDs that will sync up to music, function as a powerfully vivid alarm clock, or display unique visual notifications for incoming calls or messages. The wide variety of options available in terms of apps and features make cPulse an interesting option for those with customization in mind, but the added drain on a device’s battery may not be worth some added visual flair. cPulse lights up the market in February 2015 for $89.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Displays

Odin hunts down the projectors of old with flexibility and simplicity

The Premise. How many times has showing a video to a co-worker or friend turned into a fifth or sixth replay of the video as more and more people enter the room and wonder what’s so funny? Or needed to give a presentation and didn’t want to haul a laptop to the conference room or deal with the potential formatting hiccups of sharing it and running it on a different machine? The solution is finally here.

The Product. Odin is a smart projector, not any larger than some phones, that can be connected to tablets, smartphones, or even game consoles to display video like any traditional projection display. On top of that, the Odin also comes with Bluetooth speakers, meaning no extra devices need to be connected, just the home of whatever file needs to be shared in a group environment. The quick set-up and utilitarian features make Odin work just as well under professional environments as it might for throwing a killer house party. Powered by Android, Odin can communicate with devices through Wi-fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB.

The Pitch. Odin creator Dos Owls make a strong first impression with a pitch video that’s youthful, confident, and well-directed if not for a curious lack of lighting probably caused by the need to replicate conditions where the device would function best. Still, the development process for this product have led to a great number of videos and explanatory images outlining the many ways and situations in which Odin can prove useful. Dos Owls is projecting a need to raise $10,000 on Indiegogo following a much larger campaign on Kickstarter to get Odin out into the real world.

The Perks. The Odin can be picked up for almost half the retail price for $445, with shipping expected in December.

The Potential. Projectors have been a suitable audio/video display solution for decades, and this seems like a great way to have something with that same kind of power but is pocket-sized portable and pairs easily to most modern devices without having to do any complex wiring and tweaking. Odin looks like the right tool for the job of converting the powerful processors of mobile devices into something that can be used for demonstrations or parties. The flexibility and capabilities of Odin make it a fantastic accessory for any phone, tablet, or other device.

Categories
Smartwatches/Bands

Bat an eye at remembering long passwords with FiDELYS

fidelysDigital security is too big and too serious a problem to ignore. There have been several attempts at finding new ways to keep files and accounts safe, but nothing’s as readily available and effective as biometrics at this point. FiDELYS gives security-minded tech adopters more than just a way to keep things safe. Operating as a fully functional smartwatch with features like activity tracking and notifications, FiDELYS also includes an iris camera that can scan a user’s eyeball to grant access to any number of websites or applications. The details of the watch are a little glossed over in favor of the iris scan technology, but with something that incredible and flexible, it’s easy to understand why. FiDELYS is out January 2015 to backers who pledge $199.

Categories
Connected Objects Fitness Health and Wellness

PrO2 helps you breathe easy when it comes to personal fitness

pro2Anyone who has stepped on a treadmill for the first time in months knows how quickly breath leaves unfit lungs. Fitness and how hard one can push themselves has so much to do with how easy it is to breathe. PrO2 is a device that can monitor a baseline breath and with that create a training program to help build endurance and ease of breath. Sending its readouts to any smartphone or tablet, PrO2 is quick and easy to use. The wait-and-see approach of PrO2 feels outdated, however, considering the real-time input/output cycle of wearable fitness trackers and even breathing trackers like Spire. PrO2 will hit the ground running in September for $199.

Categories
Smart Home

Declare doorbell independence and let freedom ring with i-Bell

i-bellThe doorbell is a double-edged sword: it can signify the arrival of friends and loved ones, but it has a tendency to do so at the most inopportune times. i-BELL is a doorbell and video camera that connects to the home’s Wi-fi network and pushes an alert and live feed of the camera to any smartphone or tablet. Audio communication can take place or callers can leave a message if unresponded to. While the utility of this device is great and has built-in security features in case of threats or pranksters, it’s certainly not the first to try this and might get lost among Doorbot, Goji, and Chui. i-Bell will come knocking in November for £152.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Displays

TinyStic turns your smartphone experience into a PC

tinysticIt’s easy to forget just how powerful a smartphone really is sometimes. With the ability to run office programs, stream movies, and play 3D video games, who needs a computer? This line of thinking is the basis for TinyStic, a device that looks like the average thumbdrive. Instead of USB, TinyStic plugs into a TV or monitor’s HDMI port, then syncs up with the phone’s TinyStic app to allow full-screen display with drop down menus and Bluetooth keyboard support. The display looks fast and responsive, and this could be a great way to really get the most out of the latest, most powerful smartphones in hotel rooms or at the office. TinyStic costs $99 and will be out in December 2014.

Categories
Connected Objects Tech Accessories

EzeeCube stacks up to rule the digital living room

The Premise. In the beginning, there was the TV, and it was good. Add to that computers, smartphones, game consoles, DVD and Blu-ray players, and suddenly there’s a giant stack of devices all trying to work with each other. Now, one product is ready to network, share files between devices, and do everything that a living room needs in a small, sleek, modular device.

The Product. EzeeCube is an unassuming media sharing center that has much larger aspirations. By installing the device’s app on a phone, with a simple tap of the screen, all of the photos, music, and video files from phones and tablets can be stored on its 1TB hard drive and accessed on any mobile device or TV. If that’s not enough storage for some people, EzeeCube has expansions that can be stacked on top of it to linkup more power, functions, or storage space.

The Pitch. EzeeCube’s promotional video is a little understated, but the concept enough is all that needs to be communicated. When viewers see the small chassis of the device combined with the power that it provides and can be supplemented with, it’s easy to start planning a garage sale for all the devices that can be disconnected from the TV. EzeeCube needs $75,000 to get through the mass production process and enhance local cloud-based file sharing everywhere.

The Perks. Being a modular device, EzeeCube offers a lot of add-ons at various tiers. The base EzeeCube is available for $199 and should be available in time for thanksgiving. EzeeTuner allows for live TV recording and playback for $39, EzeeGame supports popular 8-bit and 16-bit games for $49, and EzeePlay plays and rips Blu-ray, DVD, and music CDs for $99. Each of these products will launch between October 2014 and April 2015. The stackable EzeeDisk 2Tb expansion is $149, and backers can also add a stronger processor and more RAM for $99.

The Potential. EzeeCube on its own doesn’t do much more than other products on the market save for the simple, one-touch syncing of files between devices. Once the modular components start coming out, the wireless stacking and various functions of the devices can turn EzeeCube into a replacement for pretty much the entire living room home entertainment system. This is the all-in-one device that’s been promised for decades, and now’s the time to get one before the retail price makes it more of a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.

Categories
Fitness Wearables

LEO helps you get a leg up on your workout regime

The Premise. The only people who don’t tell themselves in the backs of their heads every day that they should be working out more are the people who are already gym rats. Of course, while the concept of exercise is all well and good, all those who are planning another attempt at their failed New Year’s resolution this year can still seriously hurt themselves if they don’t know what they’re doing.

The Product. LEO is a piece of wearable smart tech in the form of a flexible leg band. The device monitors all kinds of data from heart rate, motion sensing, and even hydration and muscle activity. If LEO detects that it’s time for a break, a drink, or an adjustment to form, it notifies the user in easy to understand language. LEO can help keep exercise and the body at peak levels, and even call for an outright break if things get too far gone.

The Pitch. The pitch video for LEO stresses the simplicity of use and guidance that the device provides, and that’s good because it’s what makes this device so helpful. LEO is sold as an intuitive, automatic workout guide, and that’s what separates it from everything else. The designers need $50,000 for tooling and manufacturing with stretch goals for color options, haptic feedback, and a soccer-focused app to help train World Cup stars of tomorrow.

The Perks. The LEO LegBand is expected to be out in April of next year, and can be picked up along with the app and access to the device’s shared server for $184. Beta tests will begin in September 2014 and supporters can sign up for the early release for $599. Developers can also get into the beta as well as access the API and SDK for $2,999 in December.

The Potential. LEO is a great idea for people who want to get in shape without becoming a professional at one specific activity. Devices like Moov have shown off much more specific, detailed data output from an activity tracker which is great for athletes in training. LEO on the other hand is out to basically keep people from hurting themselves or taking it too easy on the path to fitness, and that’s a great, useful thing to have. It would be nice to see LEO sensors that can go in places besides the thigh just for those that might prefer to keep their trackers elsewhere, but that may be a development that comes later in LEO’s race to the top of the hill of fitness tracking devices.

 

Categories
Tablet Accessories Tech Accessories

PadBot lets your iPad roam around remotely to put you in two places at once

The Premise. The promise of robots that can replace humans is still thankfully just a pipe dream, but for now we have telepresence robots to at least be places that aren’t a possibility for one reason or another. Unfortunately, these devices are often very expensive for just the average, everyday person.

The Product. PadBot takes the idea of the telepresence robot and cuts down on costs by using a standard tablet computer as the brain and display of the device. Compatible with Android and iOS tablets for now, PadBot is easily controlled through a smartphone when it comes to driving, and can also angle and shift its display as necessary. The robot also has sensors on the base of the device to prevent being knocked over or bumping into things it can’t see. Designed to be simple to use on both sides of the interaction, PadBot has an intuitive, simple app and doesn’t get underfoot in the physical world at the same time.

The Pitch. Seeing the PadBot in action, developer Inbot Tech shows off a few basic ways the device can be of use. Whether collaborating at meetings in the office or attending birthday parties for out of town family, the PadBot seems versatile enough to tackle any indoor challenge (and even some light outdoor tasks). Inbot Tech needs $30,000 for production, molding, and testing.

The Perks. Starting in December, backers can get their very own PadBot for $329, iPad not included. Multiples can be purchased at higher tiers for families or retailers.

The Potential. Telepresence robots are exciting ways to interact with workplaces and loved ones remotely, and the market space is beginning to grow to reflect that. PadBot is essentially a high-end Telemba, opting for a dedicated robot instead of co-opting a Roomba, though both rely on a tablet for their “brain.” On the other hand, PadBot is significantly cheaper than similar products like the Double offered by Double Robotics, although the Double Robotics robot looks more stable and high-quality. This looks like an easy to set up, easy to use telepresence robot that offers fewer necessary components and a very attractive price point. Offices may want to invest in a couple for telecommuters, while the end user may have a harder time justifying the purchase.