WGST's "The Sully Show" for 1/15/16 - Best of CES

Rick is back from CES and Las Vegas, so it's time to talk about some of the great new technology he saw and experienced at the show...

Rick saw less than 25% of what was offered at the show, but he still offers his picks with Sully:

1.  ZeroHour Flashlights

ZeroHour flashlights are a new integration of premium tactical gear with portable power. Our products feature USB ports to power mobile devices, making them a must-have emergency device for light and power needs during outages.

Including the:

ZeroHour Relic XR Flashlight 3400mAh (Pre-Order for March 2016)

COMPACT TACTICAL USB RECHARGEABLE BATTERY BACKUP FLASHLIGHT The ZeroHour Relic XR set is our latest flashlight. It is a compact USB rechargeable tactical flashlight with variable control ring, tail-cap switch, and waterproof battery backup all-in-one. Our first flashlight, ZEROHOUR XD, set new standards for flashlights by offering the ultimate integration of light and power. This flashlight is also designed to be bike and weapon mountable and will work with any standard 1" bike or weapon mount. * Featuring an all-new variable control ring that allows maximum flexibility in choosing brightness from 0 to 1000 lumens, plus the option to click into XR's preset modes (10 lumens, 1000 lumens, Strobe, and SOS).
 

2.  Fitbit Blaze  - Launched at the show Pre Order now for $199.99
 
Fitbit leads when it comes to fitness and activity trackers and is looking to take on the Apple Watch.
The Blaze sounds a lot like the Fitbit Surge with a sleeker, more desirable design that's trying to give the Apple Watch a run for its money in the looks department. We called it bold and it's actually a fairly unisex design. Thinks watch, activity tracker, fitness device with heart rate monitor and sleep tracker.

Fitbit is sticking with the same elastomer band though, which for anyone that's suffered the kind of skin irritation issues as many of our Wareable forum users have reported, could be an issue.

Thankfully, there's some room for customisation here with metal, leather and classic bands and stainless steel frames also up for grabs. Bands can be removed using quick release spring bars while the tracker module simply pops out a bit like it does on the TomTom Spark watch.


3.  Kwikset

Smartlocks are hot and they were all over the CES convention floor.
Kwikset is the leading U.S. lock manufacturer and makers of Kevo, the industry-first Bluetooth™-enabled smart lock.

** New Products from Kwikset

-Kevo 2nd Gen
The smart lock you've been waiting for. The 2nd generation lock features a refined user experience, improved design and the latest version of advanced SmartKey® security.

- Kevo Convert
An easy-to-install smart lock conversion kit that enables smart lock features to your existing deadbolt lock.

- Premis
The first Apple HomeKit-compatible smart door lock from Kwikset. Premis offers homeowners convenience of Siri voice control remote locking, unlocking and monitoring, keyless entry, advanced SmartKey security, and Kwikset patented SecureScreen™ Technology.
 

4. The Boomstick

BoomStick: A $99 device that is basically a clicker to boost your mediocre headphones or earbuds. If you don't feel ready to invest in an expensive pair of cans, this gadget is a great way to improve what you've already got, for less than $100 (which, really nice new headphones will easily out-cost.

It really does work...   at http://www.boomcloud360.com/index.php/

 

5.  Ember Tech Smart Coffee Mug - Pre order now for $129

Pour in your coffee or tea and fine-tune your temperature, Ember keeps your beverage just right for hours.
 


 

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 1/8/15 - Rick and CES

Rick has been out in Las Vegas all week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

He's fresh off the plane and back home with some recaps and observations.

Rick arrived on Sunday. Monday started with the Storage Visions Conference, a 2-day conference on digital and data storage. Monday night was the CES Unveiled Show, a press only event where some of the new gadgets debut. Tuesday is "Press Day" and it's wall-to-wall press conferences with all the big tech companies. Tuesday night is the Pepcom media event and the actual show begins Wednesday.

Have a listen to Rick and Sully

1. This Show is Massive

CES takes up most of the Las Vegas Strip.  Last year there  were 176,000 people. This year they say around 160,000.  This is one of the largest trade shows in the world and many of the new products shown here won't debut until later in 2016.
 
 

2.  Press Events are Important

The show is so large, it would be impossible to see everything. Therefore the press (1000s of them) come in days before for press events and briefings.

Rick attended the Fitbit press conference at 7:30 am on Tues to hear about Fitbits new products which were shown off by former Falcon great, Tony Gonzalez, or attend a breakfast put on by Under Armour to see what new offerings they have.
 

3.  A "Smart Everything"

Smart watches, smart cars, smart beds, a smart refrigerator an even the debut of a smart spoon this week in Vegas.
New for 2016, Slow Control has a "smart spoon." Of course they do, but the thought here is noble in that a toy makes kids want to try and eat vegetables. It's said this spoon will come out in the first quarter of 2016.

Who would've thought that a spoon could be smart?
 

4.  Older Brands Trying to Become New Again

Remember RCA, Panasonic, Pioneer, Casio and more...'
These iconic brands all have a big presence at CES and are reinventing themselves in different ways.
***RCA is introducing some new TVs and accessories, working on info for the others...

5.  One of Rick's favorite finds.... a company called Steam CC and their Ripples machine and app

Steam CC, the inventive company aimed at transforming a simple cup of coffee, debuted their latest innovation, the Coffee Ripples App, at CES this week, which connects users to Ripple-enabled coffee establishments. With the Coffee Ripples App, java aficionados can print any picture or message, let's call it a “Ripple” onto a foam-topped latte or cappuccino.

Rick brought the logo of the Green Bay Packers and they transformed it onto the coffee.
 

CES wraps up this weekend and Rick is glad to be home.

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 12/18/15 - Star Wars, Gadgets, Tech and Toys

The movie theater turnstiles are moving and anticipation is at an all-time high as Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens at cineplexes right now!.

The movie is going to break records and no movie series sells products and tie ins like the Star Wars movies. Star Wars fans can show their support and take a piece of the movie with them with some of these gadgets.

* Rick and Sully share their Star Wars memories and look at some products

Have a listen:

1.    Darth Vader Toaster

Luke, Han and Leia have to toast the Darth Side. Lord Vader rules when it comes to sales. What better gift to give the "Star Wars" newlyweds you know — and we all know them! — than a toaster in the shape of Darth Vader's helmet. For $50, you even get the "Star Wars" logo branded into every slice. It is your destiny to own this.
 

2.  Sphero BB-8  - App enabled droid

- It's a toy, it's areal droid and it's fun!

- www.sphero.com  and Sprint stores in Metro Atlanta $149.99
The BB-8™ App-Enabled Droid by Sphero is the Droid your little (or big) Star Wars fanatic has been looking for, with its adaptive personality that responds to your voice. Connect to a compatible Apple® iOS or Android device to guide BB-8 around your home.It makes noises, it remembers and even try out the hologram feature,
 


3. SMS Audio Street By 50 "Star Wars" Headphones

Choose from Rebel Alliance, Galactic Empire, Storm Trooper, Boba Fett or in the second edition, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and even Darth Vader. These On-Ear Wired headphones are sleek, ultra-durable and comfortable. The professionally tuned 40mm drivers deliver amazing clarity and richness without distortion, for the same great sound as our other headphones. Pick your favorite character and enjoy great audio.
 

4.  Han Solo Fridge

Bringing new meaning to "frozen" in carbonite

Let Han keep your food cool or warm
 Extra large capacity holds up to 18 cans of soda
Retails for about $150 -  Any Star Wars fans would love this



5.  BenQ Slim Bezel EW2750ZL Monitor

The perfect monitor for gamers to play all those great Star Wars video games and more...  all for about $200
BenQ makes displays that will fit every aspect of your life. Bright and vibrant monitors that look better than life itself. They also come at price points that don't break the bank and are ready to go right out of the box. The BenQ EW2750ZL is one such monitor that doesn't take any extra time to get used to seeing on your desk or entertainment center.  

Let's just call it the BenQ EW2750 for now as I talk about the fact that it weighs in at about  9 lbs. It has BenQ's ZeroFlicker Technology and its Low Blue Light Modes. This 27-inch monitor can serve many purposes. It's a second or third screen in your office, it can serve as an extra television in the kitchen or a spare room. Users also get a nice selection of I/O ports and an MHL connection which come in handy, when you need them most. With the MHL connection, this simple looking monitor can be turned into a smart monitor with the addition of a "smart connection" or set-top platform addition, with no computer hookup necessary.
 
 

Happy holidays and May the Force Be with You!

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 12/11/15 - Laptops for the Holidays

Laptop Shopping tips for the holidays

Rick and Sully discuss...

*  A look at some new laptops

1.   Toshiba Satellite Radius 12

Intel® Core™ i7-6500U Processor
 Windows 10 Home
 8GB LPDDR3 1600MHz (not user upgradeable)
 Intel® Integrated Graphics
 256GB M.2 solid state drive (SSD)

Retails for around $1,399

 
2.   HP Spectre x360

The new HP Spectre x360 limited edition is based on the latest version of the award winning HP Spectre x360, delivering an x360 with unparalleled sound and design.

·         The beautiful 13.3 inch diagonal Ash Silver with Copper accented HP Spectre x360 celebrates Bang & Olufsen’s 90th anniversary.
·         Weighing 3.17 pounds and 15.9 millimeters thin makes this notebook ultra-portable.
●      The CNC aluminum chassis precisely fits a large battery for power and quality in a thin and light design.  
●      Four different modes to enjoy your content: use the notebook mode to get things done, the tent mode for games or presentations, tablet mode to read the news, and stand mode for watching movies.
Hardware
●      13.3” FHD or QHD Display with 72% color gamut.
●      Choice of sixth generation Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 processors for horsepower.
●      A lightning fast SSD up to 512GB for responsiveness to get things done fast.
●      Up to 12 hours of battery life so you can leave your power cord at home.
●      4GB/8GB RAM.
●      Support for a full-size HDMI and mini-DisplayPort 1.2 allowing access to content across multiple screens.
●      Three USB 3.0 ports all with HP USB Sleep and Charge.
 
Experience

●      The HP Spectre x360 is an ultra-thin PC with the versatility to take advantage of Continuum in Windows 10 for fluid transitions from notebook mode for work, stand mode for viewing entertainment, tent mode for a great presentation tool or for touchscreen entertainment, or tablet mode for on the go.
●      Full sized backlit keyboard with 1.5mm travel for a great typing experience and has extra-wide touchpad.
●      Audio by Bang & Olufsen for bold and crisp audio experiences.
 
HP Spectre x360 in Ash Silver and Copper accents is available at www.hp.com/go/spectrex360 and Best Buy  starting at $1,299.99.

 

3. Lenovo Yoga 900 Laptop

Retails for about $1,199

Different from the competition, the Yoga 900 is unbelievably thin and elegant. From the 360° watchband hinge to the eye catching color options, this 2-in-1 will turn heads. Packed with the latest Intel processing power and customizable features of Windows 10.
Drown out distractions with JBL speakers that deliver rich stereo sound and premium Dolby® Home Theater® for an immersive audio experience.
Starting at a mere 2.8 lbs and just 0.59" thick, the Yoga 900 is ultraportable — it's perfect for doers on the go, and is the world’s thinnest Intel® Core™ i convertible.* Bend it, flip it, or fold it to experience your apps in a way you never have before.

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 12/4/15 - Sports Tech for the Holidays

Rick's specialty is sports tech and sports gadgets, so we look at some holiday gifts for the athlete or active person on your list.

Rick hasn't been that active this week as he's been down with back spasms.  But he's on his way to Milwaukee this weekend for a special project.  He's covering 7 sporting events in a 36-hour period.  So hopefully the back holds up!

Have a listen to Rick and Sully:

1.   Smart Rope (Smart Jump Rope)

Smart Rope - the next generation of jump rope, equipped with fitness tracking and real-time display capabilities.

 Beautifully designed and (most importantly) portable, Smart Rope is the perfect gift for the fitness junkie in your life.

Smart Rope displays your fitness data mid-air, while you jump, through 23 high-quality embedded LED lights and pairs with your smartphone, via the Smart Gym app, for easy tracking and sharing of your jump count and calories burned.

Smart Rope retails for $89.99 and is currently available online at http://store.tangramfactory.com.
 

2. Harman Kardon JBL speaker line in partnerships with NBA

JBL and the NBA partnered to elevate the NBA basketball experience for fans around the world wherever they enjoy the sounds of the game - at the arena, in their homes, in their cars, or on the go.

This is a partnership that will make the company the official headphone, speaker, and audio partner of the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), NBA Development League (NBA D-League), and USA Basketball. This unprecedented partnership is the NBA’s first-ever marketing partner in these categories and HARMAN’s first partnership with a professional sports league.

Products include the Flip 2  NBA, the Clip NBA and S300 NBA
 
 

3. Under Armour - Eyewear with Game Day Lenses

All for a price of around $100

Under Armour's partnership with golfer, Jordan Spieth received much press in 2015 with his play on the course and visibility off the course. Basketball star, Stephen Curry is another brand ambassador for Under Armour and he was in the spotlight as he and his teammates march to an NBA Championship. Now with a full line of eyewear, Under Armour has all the bases covered.

Enter their Game Day Lenses with a special color enhancer that comes in handy on the course. What you get is a better look at moving objects, quick and accurate recognition and processing, along with sharper on-field contrast. This makes reading greens and the contours of a course easier and it could help speed up those five-hour rounds you seem to get caught up in each time you pull your golf bag out of your trunk. Any of the frames with Game Day Lenses will work with ball sports.

The Under Armour Igniter 2.0 is a durable and comfortable frame with a titanium base. Unparalleled strength and frame flexibility that last and perform. When you combine the Game Day lens with the frames, users get 20% more peripheral vision and a lens coating that guards against scratches, smears and smudges. Yes, these frames will last more that six months. Remember, these lenses block 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays you encounter in life. Quite simply, the blues are bluer, the greens are very green and the ball is whiter than ever so you can follow the ball flight to the ground.

 

4.  Master Lock Padlock and App

For Gym Lockers, Storage Units and more...

Master Lock recently announced their new Bluetooth Smart Padlocks, and we’d love to send over samples for you to test and review. These new smart padlocks turn any smart-enabled device into a key, eliminating the worry and hassle that surrounds forgotten combinations or lost keys.  

Master Lock Bluetooth Smart Padlocks Overview:

o   Download free Master Lock Vault eLocks app and sync lock with Activation Code

·         Functions:

o   Invite guests to share digital keys

o   Remove guests who no longer need access

o   Schedule unlimited guest access or restrict access to day and night

o   Receive tampering alerts

o   View padlock’s activity history

·         Indoor and outdoor models are available for purchase online (indoor $49.99, outdoor $59.99)

 


5.  For the women....  

Baggallini's  "Have it all Bag"

Whether it's a workout at the gym or a weekend away, you need a bag that can handle specific tasks. Carrying a bulky beach towel or yoga mat? No sweat. Dashing through the airport? Your stuff is secure. Our Have It All tote lives up to its name.

 Just $98.00 for a quality bag.