Wireless Wednesday for 511/16 - Beat the Heat and Protect Yourself from the Sun

It's almost summer and protecting yourself from the sun is of paramount importance. From sunglasses to clothing, lotions and sun blocks.

Rick runs the gamut this week on Wireless Wednesday, have a listen:

 
1.  Nike Sunglasses   "NikeVision"

- Nike Bandit – Starting at $145.00 (Released on April 1st)

A unique blend of fashion and function, the stylish Nike Bandit includes all of the technical benefits of performance eyewear in an on-trend frame.

    Nike Max Optics provide precise clarity and reduce distortion.
    The eyewear cuts through wind, reducing resistance.
    Flex points along the temples automatically adjust to the shape of the athlete’s head, to provide a secure fit.
    A Floating Nose Pad automatically adjusts for optimum grip and comfort, while acting as a shock absorber and increasing airflow.
    The arms of the eyewear adjust to the moisture level for added comfort. The material is smooth when dry and grips when the athlete begins to sweat.
    Soft rubber channels on the inside of the temples wick away sweat from contacts points and increase airflow.
    Heat Vents (tiny holes built into the top of the frame) allow heat to escape and cool air to circulate, preventing fog and moisture buildup.

 
Nike Golf X2 Golf

Nike teamed up with Golf Athletes to product the Nike Golf X2 sunglasses. Featuring Nike Max Optics – a patented technology that amplifies the white of  the ball and enhances the contours of the green – these glasses a great gift for those who want to play like the pros!
 

2.  REKS™ Sunglasses

www.reksoptics.com

REKS™  is a revolutionary sunglass brand combining the highest quality shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses with stylish, unbreakable frames all at affordable prices.  With a retail price point of $60 and under, the REKS™ lenses are the same quality of lenses found in glasses costing $150-$250.  Add in the fact that the frames are unbreakable and you have yourself a great product that will surely disrupt the marketplace.

REKS™ sunglasses are available in six iconic frame styles with three lens options offered in a multitude of stylish colors including classic, Revo and mirror finishes. The six iconic frame styles come in a broad array of colors and finishes including matte, gloss and Soft Touch™. REKS™ provides a range of stylish options that go from slopes to fairways to city streets with ease.
 
 

3.  Oakley Elemental Polo $34.50 - $50

The Elemental Polo was created in collaboration with pro golfer Bubba Watson. The polo is available in 26 colors and made with moisture-wicking interlock knit fabric with UV-shielding fabric to protect on the course.
 


4. Carpe  -  Keep a good grip and your hands dry

It's time, one and for all, to say bye-bye to those constantly sweat hands, thanks to Carpe. It comes in a 1.6 oz. bottle, and Carpe absorbs quickly into your skin with now greasy or chalky residue. Apply a small droplet and allow about 10 minutes for it to absorb and take hold. Then you can "take hold" and go about your business with no sweat in the desired area.

“With the summer temperatures heating up, many golfers across the country will be losing grip on their game due to embarrassing sweat. Not to mention, sweating through glove after glove. Well, luckily golfers who suffer from this pervasive problem now have a solution: Carpe Lotion,” offers David Spratte, co-founder of Carpe Lotion. “Carpe is the world’s first non-greasy, no-residue antiperspirant hand lotion that tackles the problem of sweaty palms by targeting the source: the sweat glands. It’s the perfect cure for golfers and those suffering from sweaty palms across the country.”

Carpe actually uses a very powerful antiperspirant compound that works when you need it to take action. Carpe says that regular use will cause the size of your sweat glands to reduce and give better and better results over time. If you are among the millions of people that have hyperhidrosis, daily use for up to a month could offer some great benefits.
 

5.  Butterbean Sunscreen, SPF 30

According to Dr. Cynthia Bailey, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and CEO of Advanced Skin Care and Dermatology Physicians, our skin is susceptible to damage from the sun 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

EWG (Environmental Working Group) Rating: 1
Health Concern: Low
UVA Protection: Excellent
Main ingredient: Zinc Oxide (22 percent)
www.butterbeanorganics.com
Organic and 80 minute water resistant
 


Rick's App of the Week:

Bausch and Lomb team up with IBM, Apple for cataract surgery app

As part of the alliance. IBM MobileFirst for iOS, a top firm in the optical care industry has joined the alliance with an eye toward building an app to help with cataract surgery. The app would bring iOS into the operating theater to help surgeons plan the surgery and to select implants. This could be done on iPads and iPhones.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/20/16 - John Isner and Spring Sports Tech

Rick has had a busy week already.

In addition to being a sports tech writer and everything else he does, he's the Media and Commuications Manager for Atlanta's pro tennis tournament, the BB&T Atlanta Open.

And they had the top ranked American and world No. 15, John Isner in town this week for media obligations. Isner is the 3-time defending champion here in Atlanta and he's be going for 4 come the week of July 31 - Aug 7 at Atlantic Station.

 
Rick and Mitch take a look at some spring and summer sports and outdoors gadgets for 2016...

Have a listen to both parts:

1. Air Force One AFX Pro Series Irons - a great price for a premium set of golf irons

A premium set of irons for $399? How, when and where are going to be the next words out of most golfer's mouths. These said irons are the new AFX Pro Series irons and are part of the growing Air Force One line of golf products. There is secret sauce here in that the irons use compressed nitrogen, like the Air Force One driver that came out last year.

The AFX Pro Series replaces the forged Citation players' irons, featuring less offset and a thinner top line.  The AFX Pro Series features Nitrogen Charged technology in the 3- and 4- iron and an undercut cavity in the 5- iron thru PW.  In addition, the AFX Pro Series has matching muscle back 52-, 56- and 60- degree wedges.  The irons are soft cast which produces a soft impact feel and workability.
http://store.afogolf.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AFO-AFX-PRO-SERIES-IRONS

 

2. Thermacell Mosquito laterns

- Keep those biting insects away

I recommend Thermacell and their all encompassing line of mosquito repelling lanterns, torches and repellers. Thermacell does something no one else does and that is use their technology to put a repellant that is a copy of the insecticide produced by chrysanthemums in their products. It proves to be 98% effective and welcome relief to those looking to spend an afternoon or evening outdoors with family, friends or a good book.
"Thermacell products are 96% effective, approved by the EPA and tested by the US government for effectiveness," says a representative of Thermacell.

It's also odorless and runs on a single butane cartridge, that heats a repellent mat and releases allethrin, which is a synthetic copy of the natural repellent found in those chrysanthemum flowers that were mentioned above.

Thermacell says a latern will cover a 225-square feet area at up to four hours per mat or 12 hours for a refill kit. A Thermacell latern is not only more effective, but it is safer than using citronella candles.


 

3. Wilson Ultra 100 tennis racquet
$199.99

Easy power with the Ultra 100, as Wilson serves up an impressive combination of speed, power and spin. Like the best modern player's racquets, this stick blends an explosive feel with precise targeting, making it dangerous in the hands of those who like to dominate the court with pace and spin. Thanks to its firm Carbon Fiber layup and stiff dual tapered beam, the Ultra 100 has a crisp and lively response. The result is a racquet that has a very even feel across the entire stringbed, with less power loss on balls struck in the upper hoop (where many advanced players make contact). To boost comfort, Wilson gives this model a Cushion Foam Handle along with Parallel Drilling technology (which enables the strings to soak up extra vibration). From the baseline this racquet's maneuverable weight and 'whippy' head light balance are perfect for generating pace and spin. Our playtesters found it easy to flick sharp angles or hit running forehand winners. This stick's fast feel and lively response is definitely an asset on service returns where it comes around very fast to deliver penetrating depth. Finally, aggressive servers looking to work the entire box with pace and spin should have a blast with this one.

 

4. Tecnifibre strings, including the new Pro Red Code Wax

* Tennis players should always get their racquets restrung before the start of a new tennis season

Pro Red Code Wax.
An evolution of our Pro Red Code (1st coated polyester in the market. Played by John Isner).
The Pro Red Code Wax is softer and provides more spin (It includes Wax at the beginning of the process of fabrication. So it slides better = better snapback = more spin).
It’s an interesting string, especially as we try to exist on the market as the “softest brand of polyester”
 

5.  Piq - golf wearable

www.piq.com

A golf wearable that sensor that will be able to measure 3,000 different points per second and 13 different dimensions.
The sensore included a range finder and Mobitee will be providing maps of 35,000 golf courses around the globe using the finder. With this access users can automatically have insight on the yardage of greens and fairway of the golf course they are playing.

What you get is 18 NFC tags in the box.
15 of them are with a club name written and 3 of them are spare (with no name) to replace any loss or add specific club.

Position one tag on each of your club following the naming on each tag, you have to do it once for all.
A fixation clip should be inserted on the golf gloves. Position it on your left hand (if you are right-handed), it’s clipped on the top scratch of your glove. Insert PIQ arrow head towards your fingers, you’re ready to play!
 
 

The App of the Week:

Emoji Keyboard for Me app

(formerly known as Emoji Keypad)
New Emoji app

Emoji Keyboard for Me equips users with classic iOS emojis, hundreds of unique stickers and custom emoji combos for all their messaging needs, available right from the stylish color keyboard as well as in the app where it’s also possible to type in a variety of fonts or spell words with emojis.
The new update offers emoji lovers a redesigned app interface that allows for more intuitive navigation, improved word prediction and auto correction for all available keyboard languages and a handy search bar in both the content gallery and keyboard for finding the right emoji, sticker or combo in seconds. The app has also been optimized for the latest iOS devices including iPad Pro and 3D Touch support for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The new Emoji Keyboard for Me is on limited time sale now, it’s available on the App Store here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/emoji-keypad-new-emojis-color/id749094938?mt=8

Based on data gathered around the world from its popular Emoji Keyboard for Me app, the developer found that emojis with hand gestures dominated the rankings with “hugging face” emoji topping the list, followed by the “thinking face” with hand on chin. Other hand gesture emojis such as the (mean) spirited “middle finger” and “rock on” emojis placed fourth and tenth respectively. Rounding out the list were the “rolling eyes” face, the “slightly smiling” face (both rightside up and upside down), “bottle with popping cork,” “nerd” face, and “frowning” face.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 3/30/16 - New Music Technology

Rick and Mitch take a look at some new music gadgets and technology this week.

 Have a listen:

1.   Tremor

$299.99

It's called the "Tremor" for good reason.

DreamWave, makes the Tremor. Not only does it offer 50W of high-quality, audiophile sound, but the speaker also has a 24,000 mAh power bank in it making it the perfect go-t0 camping or beach accessory.
There’s no other Bluetooth speaker that can play louder and longer, with its combination of advanced technologies and audiophile sound tuning that reproduce the fullness, clarity and depth of your music the way the artist intended. It’s equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC for easy pairing with your mobile music devices.
Specs:
    50W Premium Audiophile Performance Sound System
    IPX5 Water/Dust/Sand/Snow Protection
    Connect 2 Tremors Together At Once
    Bluetooth CSR 4.0 + EDR, A2DP AVRCP, APTX
    20,800mAh Rechargeable Battery (Power Bank)
    Play time: Up to 20 Hours (8 Hours Max Volume, Full Bass Status)
    Hands Free Calling and NFC Ready
    USB 5V/1A Port for Charging Mobile Devices
    Hi-Fi Sound and Anti-Distortion Circuity
 

2.  ToughTested Ear Buds

Tough Tested Waterproof Noise-Control Earbuds with Mic
        Waterproof and IP67 rated to be water-, sweat- and dust- resistant
        Cord with silicon-coated Kevlar delivers safety and durability
        Halo 360° microphone ensures music and calls are clear

Completely waterproof and constructed to withstand the harsh conditions of marine environments, Tough Tested Waterproof Noise-Control Earbuds with Mic are ideal for fishermen, boaters and other recreational water goers. IP67 rating delivers complete water, sweat and dust protection, while the coiled cord feaures silicon-coated Kevlar® to provide enhanced safety and durability. Sport-fit shark fins ensure a secure fit even when wearing sunglasses. EQ/VOICE technology and Halo 360° microphone for great music fidelity and clarity when making phone calls. Connects to all cell phones, MP3 players and tablets via a 3.5mm jack.

 

3. Jamstik Wi-Fi Smart Guitar

www.jamstik.com

The jamstik+ is designed to get you playing quickly
Bluetooth Smart technology makes for a simple, fast and wireless connection.
It’s the lesson-practice-recording studio you can take with you.

Also has an app component
jamstik+ is the official companion app designed to establish your iPad/iPhone connection to the jamstik+ device.
 

4. Zagg Flex arc™ Wireless  - Bluetooth® Earbuds + Speakers

The $100 device that does it all from Zagg. They are earbuds, can be switched to speakers, have a mic.
When you slip the Flex Arc Wireless around your neck, you're wearing your favorite music in style. No wires means no limits, and the Flex Arc's innovative design fits in whether you're in the office, hanging out with friends, or working out. Modern and sleek, the Flex Arc features an iconic look you can comfortably wear all day and in any setting. Lightweight but packed with features, the Flex Arc Wireless gives you untethered audio for every moment.
 

5.  Noted - a new music discovery app for iOS and Android

When it comes to listening to music on our phones, there's no shortage of streaming apps to choose from. But these platforms don't offer a seamless way for users to connect and share music with others.

Launched on Thursday for iOS and Android, Noted is a social media discovery app that makes it easy to share and find new music that is recommended by people users know and trust.
Noted is a music-specific platform that features multiple libraries and combines a social element by including friend recommendations to provide a personalized music experience.

The music app allows users to search for and then post songs using SoundCloud and YouTube. When the user shares the song, it will be displayed in their profile feed, which serves as a playlist of their favorite music. The track will appear in a feed seen by other users who follow them. This allows Noted to provide a stream of music that is curated by user's friends.

 



App of the Week:

Fontmania - Add Artworks, Text Captions, and Typography Designs to Your Photos!

$4.99 for iOS
Featured in "Best new apps" on the App Store in 36 countries!
Let your photos speak! Fontmania is a great typography app that will turn your photos or pics into inspirational images, greeting or love cards which are so easy to share right from the app!
The app provides a vast collection of unique artworks and handpicked fonts as well as a variety of customization options for all the creative bits you add to your pics. Enrich your photos in an artistic way!
Use hashtag #Fontmania for Instagram posts to share your art with the community and your photos might get featured on @fontmania.

With Fontmania you can:
- make personalized pics that will stand out your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter posts;
- create unique images with inspirational, wise or funny quotes and sayings;
- design greeting cards;
- sign your memorable photos;
- make memes;
- combine image and text and create exclusive wallpapers for your screen;
- add quick notes and comments for any occasion;
- compose any other image that needs some stylish text on it.
By adding captions you can even change the entire meaning of your photos.

Fontmania is simple & fast! Here's how to use it:
1. Choose from existing photos or take a new one. Scale or crop it. Enhance it with a filter right in the app.
2. Add text and choose the best font for it or select an artwork from a collection.
3. Customize your art by applying color, opacity and shadow options.
4. Edit it: manually change size, position and tilt, choose alignment for a text.
5. Save or share it via Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, iMessage or any other social network and messenger.

No more dull pics or texts!
 

Wireless Wednesday for 1/20/16 - NASCAR Media Days and Audio Products

Rick was at NASCAR Media Day in Charlotte today checking out any new technologies that NASCAR is debuting for 2016. NASCAR has always been on the cutting edge of technology in sports especially when it comes to safety. That is safety for drivers, crew, fans, officials, etc.

What did Rick find out in Charlotte?

Have a listen to Rick and Mitch:

*** Next, as the year begins there is always a ton of new audio devices that debut. Many of them are seen for the first time at CES in Las Vegas.

Rick takes a look at some new products for audiophiles.

1.    United Sciences (Based in Atlanta) and their 3D Scanner which allows an easy turn around to make custom-fit ear pieces.

United Sciences sums it up pretty good on its website, when it comes to what they do. They say, "imaging ear cavity in real-time (is) replacing traditional silicone ear-mold impressions to create custom-fit earn-worn devices in the ear capable of providing activity tracking and biometric sensing data." What they don't say, is they do it at an unbelievable price point that just about everyone can afford.

Using their handheld eFit 3-D scanner, United Sciences was taking in-ear measurements and scans for the media at CES to show how easy and painless this process now is, compared to the past. Professional in-ear headphones are no longer for professional broadcasters and rock stars, thanks to United Sciences technologies. This is a game changing technology that will hopefully soon be coming to a retail location in your neighborhood. It's really that simple and it was amazing lookers on at CES.
www.UnitedSciences.com
 

 

2.  Maroo Audio

Maroo is a globally-inspired new line of products born to address the desires of the burgeoning mobile culture. With a sharp understanding of product features, and customer needs and wants, Maroo sheds all preconceived ideas of manufacturing and design.

What is new is Maroo Audio and Maroo Pro Audio...
ACS Custom Earphone Performance

Now you can own this same level of audio perfection whether you’re on stage, in a recording booth, or at home.

Experience the difference with the new ACS Universal In Ear Monitors by Maroo Pro Audio.
Coming Q2 of 2016
 

 
And more for the typical audiophile...
 

3. Edwin the Bluetooth Ducky  

He’s a learning toy with personality designed to be a child’s best friend. Utilizing a companion app, children control Edwin on the screen with a tap of the rubber duck toy.

Edwin interacts with accompanying mobile apps, streams music and squawks with 180 different sounds. The duck, intended for newborns to 9-year-olds, is meant to go everywhere kids go and recharges with an included Nest and USB wall plug. It serves as a nice Bluetooth speaker that floats.

The duck responds to taps, twists and turns. It's designed to inspire learning through read-along books and interactive games, provide comfort at bedtime as a nightlight and entertain with sing-along adventures.
New is Edwin’s Sleepy Time app, which allows users to enjoy exclusive lullabies and white noise, along with an adjustable night light. Additionally, the team will be showcasing a preview of the temperature gauge, which measures skin surface and water temperature.

$99 for www.edwintheduck.com
 

4.  ElectroBlade AV Soundbar

Soundbars are becoming increasingly more popular for home and home theaters
IN2UIT's ElectroBlade is truly holistic, with a minimal and architectural design form factor. It uses our proprietary Electrostatz Technology, The product is wireless and is both an AV TV sound bar and a digital music player for any wireless devices.

This is the first compact Electrostatic speaker for excellent spatial and natural atmosphere with superior acoustic qualities. The product is completely wireless and is both an AV TV sound bar and a digital music player for any wireless device.
No price given yet...
 


App of the Week:

Australian Open app

Yes the tennis season is underway and in Australia
Australian Open Tennis Championships 2016

What's New for this year

The app has been prepared for the Australian Open Tennis Championships, from 18 – 31 January 2016.
Improved user experience on the app home page and navigation.
New Match Centre: Follow each match before, during and after it takes place with live scores, blogs, previews, stats and video.

Wireless Wednesday for 1/13/16 - Best of CES

Rick is back from CES and the massive CES Show! What did he see?

Let's look at some of his favorites... as he presents his "Best of CES Picks"

Have a listen to Rick and Mitch: (Both Parts)

1.    A company called Steam CC and their Ripples machine and Ripples Maker app

Steam CC, the inventive company aimed at transforming a simple cup of coffee, debuted their latest innovation, the Coffee Ripples App, at CES last 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.

 
2. 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).
 

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.  Lenovo Wireless N700 Mouse

Lenovo Wireless N700 Mouse: This crazy-looking little Bluetooth mouse doubles as a remote; you can fold it into a clicker to use for presentations or a laser pointer.  You can buy it for under $60 at Amazon or www.shop.lenovo.com

App of the Week:

The Swivel Selfie  (Debuted at CES)


The Swivel Selfie. The Swivel Selfie is a real-time augmented reality mobile app for apparel and accessories that allows users to instantly try-on products using a mobile device by itself or in conjunction with a mirror, receive personalized recommendations, share looks, and make purchases.

Personalized collections or products are accessible at home, on-the-go or activated as shoppers pass displays or walk through departments in-store, enabling them to see how an item looks on their own image without needing to find their size or try it on in the dressing room.