Tag: tablet accessories

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Tech Accessories

Sawtooth dock charger holds up to six devices in its jaws

Most smartphone or tablet docks tend to handle only one or two mobile devices at a time. That’s fine for a single person living alone, but not so handy for a home with multiple people who each own at least two devices that need to constantly remain charged.

The Sawtooth dock charger features six USB ports and a series of ridges that can accommodate the same number of mobile devices. Its design was inspired by the sawtooth roof architecture of the early 19th century. Each port can charge up to 2.4 amps of power independently. Additionally, each port is equipped with OptimalPeak technology that automatically detects and selects the optimal charging amps for each specific device.

One particularly standout feature is the product’s ability to be connected to other Sawtooth docks, thus enabling multiple docks with six devices each to work in unison with just one wall outlet. This feature should certainly come in handy for classrooms and businesses. Sawtooth will ship in April at $85 for Kickstarter backers, with retail pricing expected to be about 20 percent higher. Its maker is looking to raise $10,000 by April 12.

Sawtooth stands to be appealing to many consumers with multiple mobile devices in their homes, as well as in classrooms that use multiple devices. Its feature set clearly stands out among rival products like the Varius Dock.

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Technology

WorldPenScan X gives you the power to scan, translate by pen

Instant translation of foreign languages to native ones is a luxury commonly thought impossible. Imagine being able to translate a menu written in Japanese into English while sitting in a restaurant in Japan. The new WorldPenScan X digital pen for scanning and translating from Fremont, California-based PenPower USA does exactly that.

Using Bluetooth 4.0, the device recognizes multiple languages, barcodes and bank fonts, and will immediately translate and edit items in multiple applications. Recognized languages include Arabic, Chinese, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. The user can transmit the digitized data to an iOS device or Mac or Windows PC computer. Backers who pledge $99 as part of a Kickstarter special will get a WorldPenScan X when it ships in April 2015. That’s $70 less than the expected $169 retail price. PenPower is looking to raise $30,000 by the end of January. The same company’s WorldPenScan BT sells on Amazon.com in a similar price range, but doesn’t support iOS.

If it works as seamlessly as its campaign video claims, WorldPenScan X could be an appealing product for many consumers. However, some will likely feel that free apps available on their mobile devices already perform the same basic tasks using their built-in cameras. PenPower points out that several steps are required when using a mobile device’s camera to scan and translate. Sometimes, if the ambient light isn’t good enough, that could severely impact the recognition accuracy of the camera. In conclusion, WorldPenScan X will have to work flawlessly, especially when it comes to translating, for consumers to see the device as worthy of their time and money.

Categories
Tech Accessories

KaVii makes tablets and smartphones stick around

Ideas for smartphone and tablet mounts seem to be flooding the market like a garden at harvest time. The question is, which ones will weather the storm of consumer fickleness and stick around for a while?

One product that seems to have the stickiness factor going for it, quite literally, is KaVii. The adhesive gel tablet can secure a smartphone or tablet to nearly any flat surface. And if one happens to be in a warm environment, KaVii won’t melt or leave sticky residue. So those who like to karaoke with their smartphone in the shower or camp in the bathtub and watch a good movie can enjoy themselves at everyone else’s annoyance. The product can be cleaned easily with hot or cold water and left to air dry.

KaVii might not be the best option in the car during the winter months since it isn’t especially effective when the temperature gets below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. But the summer months likely won’t be a problem since it will function up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This campaign seeks to raise $5,000. For $9, backers get four pieces of KaVii with an expected delivery of January 2015.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Flip Clip lets gadget lovers get attached to their devices

Trying to figure out where to stow that mobile device when on the go and still having easy access to it can be a challenge. So Flip Clip offers gadget lovers a hands-free option with a bit of style thrown in for good measure. The user attaches the product to the back of their mobile or smartphone case with the adhesive tape. Then pull up the snap spring and the phone or mobile can be attached to a belt loop, purse strap, chain or other convenient location.

Since it offers a hands-free solution, it is able to function as a camera phone holder too when wanting to create a video, though the video will probably be shaky since the phone would not be stabilized. Backers can choose from Swarovski Crystal, Murano style hand painted glass and natural gem stones. Lady backers looking for phone toting solutions might also be interested to check out Voye Clutch.  This campaign seeks to raise $10,000. For $12, backers Flip Clip with an expected delivery of February 2015.

Categories
Chargers/Batteries

Smart Charge Power Bags offer Al Capone wannabes limited usage

Staying in communication with the gang can be tough when the power goes out – on a mobile device. Unless you have Smart Charge Power Bags, which can charge at a rate of 1.5 % per minute, and it fit a maximum  7” tablet. It’s unfortunate that it only offers 1.5 charges for the average iPhone when there are products out there that can offer more charges.

The overall make of Smart Charge Power Bags seems a little bulky for the average person to carry around on a day-to-day basis, unless one is looking at it as an alternative to a backpack or rucksack. However, since this appears flatter than the average backpack, it may work well for those with a more unique vocation in various areas of the arts, or perhaps businesses professionals who usually wear a suit. Backers may also want to check out the Riutbag, Kangeaux, Padroo, and Zondo campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $15,000. For $100, backers get one product with an expected delivery of March 2015.