Wireless Wednesday for 5/29/13: With Mitch Evans - French Open and CTIA
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 5:21AM Mitch and I talk some French Open tennis and gadgets that were introduced at CTIA and of course, the app of the week.
Have a listen:
Show notes:
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1. Download the official French Open app for up to date scores, draw, schedule, and highlights
CTIA–The Wireless Association, the proven authority leading the mobile movement since 1984, just held CTIA 2013 in Las Vegas, what news came out of the show?
2. Kevo electronic door lock
It's hard to overstate the cool factor of Kevo's electronic locks for your home's front door. The power of Bluetooth stands behind the nearly keyless entry, which requires just a smartphone app and the touch of your finger to secure and gain entry to your residence.
Military-grade security layers help manage the app's security, and immediately wipe and deny entry in the event of a misplaced or stolen phone.
With the smart device within about 4 feet of the door, you simply lock or unlock it by tapping your finger (or elbow or nose) on the lock face. An LED ring lights up green when the door unlocks, yellow when it locks, and blue while it's processing. A red flash denies entry.
3. Ericsson's 'smart window'
Ericsson has taken the saying "window of opportunity" to new levels. At CTIA, the company highlighted two novel approaches of integrating mobile technology into your everyday window pane.
One demonstration embeds a cellular antenna inside a glass, which can increase reception inside buildings and trains -- potentially turning a dull offline morning commute into a more productive trip. Ericsson also decked out a window with IR sensors around its edges. With these sensors, users can swipe and tap the window to carry out tasks like switching on a light bulb or turning down music.
Though these "smart windows" won't come to market anytime soon, Ericsson is scoping out companies to license out this useful, future-thinking technology.
4. Caterpillar announces they will make a rugged Android smartphone
Yes, Caterpillar, the heavy machinery manufacturer.
This new B15 is running Android Jelly Bean with a 4 inch display, ability to withstand a 5.9 foot drop, shatterproof glass and water submergence of 3.2 feet for 30 minutes.
The Cat B15 is designed for field workers and active lifestyle folks (snowboarders, mountain bikers, etc.).
5. Jennifer Lopez and Verizon announce a partnership
Jennifer Lopez and Verizon Wireless made a little noise at CTIA after they unveiled a partnership to create a Latino-centric shopping experience for mobile devices.
Viva Movil is, for the most part, an extension of Verizon's retail arm, and will sell Verizon phones and service plans. Core services such as customer care will continue to be handled by Verizon.
Lopez will be the face of the brand.
App of the week:
The Eye Browser app - Try on sunglasses aye eyewear virtually to see how they look on your face
Free
