Wireless Wednesday for 1/8/14: With Mitch Evans - CES 2014

Rick and Mitch are back together in 2014.  The big Consumer Electronics Show is going on in Las Vegas.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 1/8/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 1/8/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 1/8/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

Show Notes:

* TOPICS - The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is underway in Las Vegas - We take a look at what is popular so far...  

If you have never been to CES - it is massive. Miles and miles of conventions space with every electronics company showing their new products


1.  Remote Controlled vehicles, cars, helicopters controlled by your smartphone

MOTO TC Rally, which debuted this holiday season. Griffin's booth will feature a large, 14’ x 9’ elevated racetrack with banked corners that will encourage CES attendees to take MOTO TC Rally for a spin around the track. The new remote-controlled race car connects to iOS devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE v4.0) and features super quick maneuvering capabilities via proportional steering; impact sensors that detect bumps and crashes changing the way the car handles; a fully independent, shock-absorbing suspension; power rear-wheel drive; and ground effect lighting.

 

Griffin’s new app-powered HELO TC Chopper, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE v4.0) version of Griffin’s original twin-rotored HELO TC helicopter in high-visibility yellow. Using the free HELO TC Chopper App, users can fly the chopper in one of two ways: Touch Control, using the Multi-Touch display to maneuver the chopper; or Tilt-to-Fly mode, in which users tilt their iOS device to move the chopper forward, back and side to side. The Record & Recall feature can record and store up to three Flight Plans so users can repeat a favorite flight pattern easily. Make up routes among the furniture, missions to fly, obstacles to avoid, goals to achieve, and replay them later with friends. An Auto-Land feature brings HELO TC Chopper down for a safe landing with just a tap. HELO TC Chopper, regularly $49.99, is now available with special CES show pricing for $29.99 at store.griffintechnology.com/helo-tc-chopper.

 
MOTO TC Rally and HELO TC Chopper both require iOS 6.0 or later and are compatible with iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (5th generation), iPad (3rd & 4th generations), iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina Display.



2.  Griffin's Multi-Dock

MultiDock, their premium business solution for charging, syncing, and docking multiple devices. Ideal for deployment in schools, businesses, and enterprise settings, MultiDock is available in two configurations: a single 10 bay unit and a stacked 30 bay cart complete with smooth rolling wheels, a handle and a lockable laptop tray. Six MultiDock units, capable of charging up to 60 devices at once.

 


3.  Biometrics that we all use

Fingerprint sensors and eye scanners aren't new, but their presence in consumer technology was minimal until last year's introduction of the iPhone 5S. Now smartphone and tablet manufacturers are tripping over themselves to build fingerprint scanners into their devices.

It doesn't stop at fingerprints. Thanks to the iPhone, the whole category of biometrics is suddenly red-hot. You can bet on devices, systems and even physical locks that scan some part of your body to use as your password. A lot of discussion will also focus on whether that's a good idea.
 


4.  The Connected House

We've talked about this before.  Rick was one of the first people that AT&T let visit their "House of Tomorrow." We soon won't be turning knobs and pushing button and flipping switches in the home. Most things will be controled by an app.

In 2017, more than 11 million U.S. broadband households will have a smart home controller, up from 2 million in 2013, according to research firm Parks Associates. AT&T and Comcast launched home automation offerings in Denver and across the country in recent years, allowing homeowners to control thermostats, doors, security systems and other products via tablets and smartphones.

Two years ago, Nest’s smart thermostat won a top innovation award at CES. Other stand-alone smart home products are also hitting the mark, such as the Philips Hue lighting system featuring smartphone-controlled multicolor LED bulbs. The system is very simple to set up and use.
The HomeSitter will alert you via your smartphone when there is an issue with your house or apt.

 "App"ifacation of cars

Audi chairman Rupert Stadler is delivering the second pre-show keynote this year, perhaps the most notable appearance by an automaker at CES. As such, Audi is expected to announce a major partnership, reportedly with Google and to integrate its Android mobile operating system into future Audi models.
Ford has also been at the forefront of putting all sorts of apps in cars.
“The whole automobile area is exploding in terms of not only electric cars, (but) cars that do things on their own." “They take over the driving, they warn you of lane changes, they tell you if you’re falling asleep. There’s all sorts of things like that out there that’s definitely very big and very fast growing.”

Apps of the Week  

Favado  (Free for iOS)

The Favado app aggregates sales data for your local grocery, drug and big box stores. You’ll find the freshest sale data from the weekly ad, and if a sale item also has coupons available, Favado will tell you where to find them. Build a shopping list from the sales, and you’ll be able to stop over-spending at the grocery store.

Favado makes it easy to “know before you go” and make sure you’re only buying your favorite items before they go on sale. Doing so can save you up to 70% on everyday items! You’ll save the most if you build a shopping list around the week’s sales, but you can also use the search function to compare prices before you run out for milk.

Money saving experts across the country hand select the very best sale prices, even secret sales, from more than 65,000 grocery and drug stores nationwide, and add them weekly into Favado -- so that the very best deals are right at your fingertips.
 
And Audio Roadshow  - A new app where you will be able to listen and leave feedback for the shows on 92.9 The Game and other CBS stations.

App will debut shortly.

Wireless Wednesday for 12/18/13: With Mitch Evans - Holiday iPhone Gift Accessories

* TOPICS - Many people will be receiving iPhones and smartphones for Christmas, so let's look at some iPhone accessories to go along with your new phone

Give a listen to Rick and Mitch here:

Show notes:

1.  Tech21 Cases and Shields

www.tech21.uk.com  

Tech21 makes some of the best cases for iPhones (And iPads) Rick even gave Mitch and Randi a Tech 21 Case and Shield for therir new iPad Mini w/Retina.

 
2.  KYOCERA’s “Kyoto Opal”

http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/phones/
A super shield for your iPhone.
You may already have a case, but want to add a shield.
The film cover is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin with thinly sliced Kyoto Opal mixed in for decorative properties. The extremely fine grain structure of the Kyoto Opal makes it so that when the display is on, the opal material has a very transparent quality and does not interfere with the screen display or operations. When the screen is off, the opal material shines brilliantly in different colors depending on the angle it is viewed from. Because this characteristic makes it difficult to see the screen from side angles, the cover film can also help ensure user privacy from nearby onlookers.
 

This year marks the 5th anniversary of “Kyoto Opal,” which is being used in an ever-widening range of products: from traditional Japanese souvenir items to flutes, high-end ukuleles, professional hair cutting scissors, magnetic necklaces which are designed to improve blood circulation, and even in eyewear.


The wide use of Kyoto Opal stems from its unique aesthetic features. Utilizing special staining techniques, Kyocera has been able to realize a variety of rich and subtle hues and tints, which cannot be duplicated with molded resin-based opal products. Furthermore, by surmounting the inherently brittle characteristics of naturally occurring opals, which tend to split and crack, it is possible to cut the material into diverse shapes and sizes.

Available in the U.S. through the maker’s Web site starting December 5 (Power Support International http://www.powersupportintl.com/iPhone-5-5c-5s-Film-s/1863.htm.

3.  iPin - laser pointer  - $49.99

Turn your iPhone into a laser pointer and presentation device with the iPin.
The iPin is tiny. It's a pin that slips into the audio jack of iPhone and sits pretty flush so it doesn't get in the way at all.

It serves as a laser pointer and presentation device when paired with an app. So you get the laser pointer capabilities with an app that will change slides and control a cursor on your screen. Very useful indeed.

 It retails for $49.99 and I love it.

There is a coupon deal ongoing through the holidays at http://ipinlaser.com/ipin.

4.  Phone Soap

Did you know your cell phone is 18 times dirtier than a public toilet? We are constantly transferring bacteria onto our devices from everything we touch. You wash your hands, but never clean your phone. The PhoneSoap Charger is the first and only cell phone charger that cleans and sanitizes your phone in less than five minutes while it charges, and it is the safest and most complete way to kill all the bacteria growing on your phone. Using UV light to safely get rid of bacteria, the PhoneSoap charger does not use heat, liquid or chemicals. PhoneSoap Charger is universal, and designed to fit even the largest smartphones. No need to worry if you want to charge and clean your phone overnight, the PhoneSoap charger has unique acoustic outlets designed to let you hear your notifications and alarms even when your phone is inside. You will be able to hear your alarm, notifications and calls loud and clear. $49.95 www.phonesoap.com

5. Photojojo - iPhone (smartphone) lenses
www.photojojo.com
Sampler pack of three lenses $49.99
Polarizing, Wide Angle, telephoto, Fisheye



App of the Week  

Portable North Pole - iOS and Android

It's being called the No. 1 Christmas app in the world.

Portable North Pole 2013 is the digital version of the popular www.portablenorthpole.com website.

Kids of all ages love this app. Users have the ability to create their own videos from Santa and send to their friends and family members.

Santa will also make calls to landlines or mobile phones to spread the Christmas cheer.
t's a $3.99 app in the Apple iOS Store and $3.77 for Android in the Google Play Store.

New with this version is more interaction with elves.

UGROUPMEDIA is the developer of the app, and they list some of the key features:

Santa’s Premium Videos

Santa’s personalized Calls

New Advent Calendar

Videos for Children and Adults

Variety of video scenarios

New exclusive content

Wireless Wednesday for 12/12/13: With Mitch Evans - Rick's Gadgets of 2013

 Rick and Mitch are celebrating the 50th Wireless Wednesday, and they look at some of Rick's favorite gadgets of 2013.

 Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 12/12/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 12/12/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

TOPICS - Happy 50th - Rick and Mitch turn "50"  50th Wireless Wed.  Quite a milestone

 
Rick's Holiday Gift Guide: Rick's Favorite Gadgets of 2013 and the App of the Week!

1.  Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera

www.polaroid.com   $179.99

Polaroid is back with many new cool products and a 10MP digital camera that also prints 2" x 3" pictures in 35 seconds.
 

2.  Motorola Moto X -  My favorite smartphone of the year

Fast and easy to use Andriod Phone  $99.99 with 2-year contract
You can design the phone when it comes to colors
Display
    4.7" AMOLED (RGB) / HD 720p
Pick it up, and the Moto X is curved to fit your hand. With a twist of your wrist, it becomes your camera. Use a simple gesture to instantly launch the 10-megapixel rear camera without unlocking the phone. An easy-to-use interface allows you to capture images faster -- just touch anywhere on the screen to snap a photo and quickly shoot a burst of photos. The comfortable Moto X features a custom shaped battery that filled the curved space and powers your Moto X through a whole day.

Running the Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system, the Moto X is powered by the Motorola X8 Mobile Computing System, which includes a software optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (1.7 GHz Dual-Core Krait CPU, quad-core Adreno 320 GPU), a natural language processor, and a contextual computing processor.

The Moto X has 16 GB of internal storage, and its 2200 mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of talk time and 10 days (240 hours) of standby time.
Never Miss a Shot

The Moto X allows you to go from pocket to picture in just a few seconds, so you'll never miss a shot again. Whether your Moto X is in your pocket or already in use, just twist your wrist twice and it's ready to shoot.

 
3.  The Selfie  #TheSelfie

$19.99

www.gabbagoods.com

"Sefie" was the word of the year by the Oxford Dictionary
The Remote Shutter release makes it easy to take selfies or group shots and upload them straight to your favorite social media outlet.

The small portable design makes it convenient to carry around, allowing you to capture every memory and moment of your life!

How to Use: Its simple! Take the cable, plug it into your headphone jack, open up camera mode, snap a photo! You may then post to Instagram, twitter, Facebook, path, or anywhere else!

 4.   Leef - ultra fast usb drives

$10-$20
The coolest and fastest USB drives.

www.2leef.com

 

App of the Week 

"Cal" for Android - new calendar app for Android devices - free

From the developers, here are some of the other special features you just won't find on other calendar apps.

Awesome widget – We've created a widget that makes any peak at the agenda - a fun experience

■ New day, Every day - Each day starts with a fresh & gorgeous photo to celebrate the day in a fun way.

■ Daily Planning made simple. By connecting Cal with Any.DO you can check out your Any.do tasks for the day.

■ It's always someone's birthday. Write on your friends wall, buy a gift, make a call, or send them a message. It's really easy.

■ At your fingertips – Cal makes it easy to find great places, restaurants, and bars nearby for meeting friends, family, and coworkers

You can get the new Cal for Android at

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anydo.cal



 

Wireless Wednesday (Thur) for 10/24/13: With Mitch Evans - Best Tablets of 2013

* TOPICS - Rick is back from Ridgeland, Mississippi where he was covering the Bassmasters Open and we talk tablets

We are going to have some sort of announcement about new iPads today, so Rick and Mitch take a look at the "Best Tablets" of 2013.

Tablets have become so popular so quickly that they're predicted to surpass both laptops and desktops by 2015. Why? Because they're portable enough to take anywhere, and -- thanks to an ever-growing roster of apps -- are versatile enough for work and play. With so many models available, choosing the best tablet comes down to your needs and budget.

Those looking for a device that's affordable and easy to use with one hand should check out 7-inch Android tablets. Quality options start as low as $150. The 7.9-inch iPad mini and the larger 9.7-inch iPad offer the most tablet-optimized apps and the most intuitive interface, but start at $329. Then you have Windows 8 tablets, many of which double as laptops, making them compelling productivity partners. Most Windows tablets are larger, but cheaper 8-inch models are starting to hit the market.

1.  Apple's iPad Air and iPad Mini w/ Retina display
Faster processor, lighter, better screens,

2.  Best Android Tablet: Google Nexus 7
$229

The Google Nexus 7 delivers pure Android 4.3 Jelly Bean goodness along with blazing-fast quad-core performance, long battery life and one of the best screens on the market. The 1920 x 1200, 7-inch display is not only amazingly sharp at 323 PPI, but eye-poppingly colorful and bright enough to be viewed from any angle without image degradtion. The latest Android OS allows users to create child-friendly restricted profiles for the first time while the front and rear cameras provide solid camera images on a device that weighs just 10.2 ounces and lasts over  8 hours on a charge.
 


3. Polaroid 7" Kid's Tablet
Price: $149

 Now little ones can have their own interactive fun! The Polaroid 7-Inch Internet Kids Tablet is loaded with 35 kid-friendly apps and interactive features, as well as 10 Dr. Seuss and Smithsonian interactive books. It has simple parental controls and a safe web browser so theres no wandering into off-limit sites. A kid-safe video player, camera, music player and game arcade provide hours of fun, and the large buttons make it easy to use. The backlit LED screen is crystal clear with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This 8GB tablet is Wi-fi enabled with USB 2.0 connectivity. Stand included.

    Simple parental controls & safe web browser.
    Includes 10 Dr. Seuss and Smithsonian interactive books.
    Preloaded w/over 35 premium apps (full versions).
    Appshop for kids (safely download kid-safe content).
    Camera & music player specially designed for kids.
    Maximum Resolution: 800 x 480
 


4. Best Tablet Value - ASUS MeMO Pad HD 7

How much tablet can you get for $150? A lot more than you might think. A chearp tablet that feels anything but cheap, ASUS's MeMO Pad HD 7 features a colorful 1280 x 800 screen, a powerful quad-core processor, high-quality front and rear cameras, 16GB of internatl storage and a microSD card slot for expansion. Throw in 9 hours and 40 minutes of battery life  and a host of custom Android features and you have one of the best bargains in all of tech.
Price: $150
 


5. Best Tablet for Reading Books - Amazon Kindle Fire HDX

When it comes to eBooks, no one tops Amazon, especially if you're looking for free stuff to read. Both the best tablet its size and the best tablet for entertainment, the 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX gives Amazon Prime members ($79 per year) a host of compelling books, movies and TV shows for free. However, the HDX offers more than just a compelling content library as it provides impressive audio, blazing fast quad-core speeds and a 1920 x 1200 screen that's even better than the Nexus 7's, along with 8 hours and 39 minutes of endurance. A special Mayday button in the interface allows you to get live, video support on the tablet 24/7 while FreeTime allows parents to limit what their kids can do with the tablet.

Starting Price: $229
 



6.  The Wildcard in the fight:  Samsung Galaxy Note 3  - $299

A tablet and a phone
Strong battery life; Gorgeous full-HD screen; Sharp camera; Useful pen apps; Powerful performance
A gorgeous 5.7-inch full-HD display, a fast Snapdragon 800 processor and lots of improvements to the pen experience. It gets better. Verizon's version of the Galaxy Note 3 offers nearly 10 hours of nonstop use on our tests and is capable of next-generation AWS LTE speeds. Then again, the Note 3 is considerably larger than your average smartphone.

 
App of the week:

The Apple iWorks Suite of apps is now free when you buy a new iPad, IPad Mini, etc
 Apple announced its iWork suite of apps have been updated for iOS devices! The new apps will be free with any iPad, iPhone, or Mac and have been upgraded to make use of the new iPad and iPhone hardware and iOS 7 software.

Pages, Numbers and Keynote for iOS have all been udated visually and performance-wise. All three are sporting a new look that fits iOS 7′s flat aesthetic.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 8/14/13: With Mitch Evans - Gadgets that Multi-task

Rick and Mitch talk about gadgets that multi-task this week and an app that allows you to easily rent a car.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 8/14/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 8/14/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 8/14/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

* TOPICS - Multi-tasking Gadgets - Gadgets that serve more than one purpose
-Rick is in Cincinnati this week at the Western & Southen Open Tennis Tournament - Federer, Djokovic, Nadal and Murray are all in Cincy

- He's always multi-tasking - so let's talk multi-tasking
We all want to get our money's worth out of our gadgets, so sometimes they can do us proud and serve more than one use...

1.    West Bend 4-Slot Egg-and-Muffin Toaster   $59.00

    Four slice toaster, with egg cooker and meat warmer, 1800-watt, cetl listed
    Defrost function for defrosting breads, bagels and croissants
    Light to dark control setting for toasting preferences
    Egg cooker tray to scramble or poach eggs, basket to soft or hard boil up to 8 eggs
    Meat tray to warm pre-cooked meat, fruit or vegetables
 


2.  PHILIPS COOLING PAD

Cooling pads can be clunky platforms that protect your knees from the heat generated by laptops. In addition to this, the Philips Notebook cushion speaker pumps up the volume of the notebook (of course, it uses up a USB connection too). The Notebook sleeve, on the other hand, protects against heat and doubles up as a useful protective cover for carrying the machine.
 

3.  Zumreed X2 Hybrid headphone

Zumreed X2 Hybrid headphone
Available abroad, this is a headphone that bundles up as a speaker. This noise cancellation headphone has a switch that, when turned on, transforms the outer ear cups of the headphones into speakers. The ear cups can be rotated and the headphone can be placed on a flat surface while in the speaker mode. For using it as the speaker, you need to charge it using a USB cable. A one-hour charge gives it enough juice for four hours of music playback.

 
4  ECLIPSE case by  ElementCase.com

A great protective case, but with a bonus.
Designed with a unique resonant audio technology – Sound Boost System (SBS) – to channel sound from the phone’s rear-facing speaker around to the front, these impact-resistant, carbon-fiber laden cases offer superior protection and multimedia enjoyment.


5.  Blue Microphones Mikey Digital

Why We Like It: Plug this award-winning mic into your iPhone, Touch, or iPad to transform it into a versatile mobile recording rig. Back on campus, you might use it to capture lectures, interviews, or your own personal voice memos. But out and about, it's great for capturing CD-quality stereo music, whether it be a bar band or full blown concert. Plus, it's the world's only mobile mic with both a 30-pin Apple connector and a multi-source auxiliary input, so you can plug your guitar (or any device with a line out) right into it. And since it rotates 230 degrees, it's also great for recording quality audio with whatever video you're capturing on the go with pretty much any i-thing.
How Much: $100

 
App of the Week 

The new National Car Rental app  - Free

Makes renting a car so much easier
To make your rental experience even better, the National app has these features:

• Make, modify and cancel reservations.
• Find and map pickup and drop-off locations.
• See specials and deals that can be booked right from the app.
• Access roadside assistance and customer service.

Become an Emerald Club® member and get even more powerful app features and benefits:

• Track your past, current and future itineraries.
• Monitor and redeem your Free Rental Days.
• Manage your Emerald Club profile.

Travel with the new National app and put speed and choice in the palm of your hand. It’s available for download today!