Wireless Wednesday for 5/4/16 - Mother's Day Gadgets

Less than 5 days until Mother's Day and as we say every year...

DON'T FORGET MOM!

Rick is here this week with some tech items and gadgets that would make great gifts for Mom.

And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

Have a listen:

And a bonus minute included:

1.  Acer Iconia 10 tablet- a high performance, full featured Android tablet for $149

Enjoy superb videos, browsing and games on a great 10.1" screen. Everything happens quickly and smoothly thanks to a powerful octa-core1 processor. Plus, this tablet's enhanced touchscreen sensitivity lets you tap, sketch and write with awesome precision.

Preloaded Iconia Suite apps make everything easier. For example, the EZ Tasking app makes the most of the 10.1" screen by letting you view and use two apps at the same time. Write an email while watching a video, or update your calendar while using Google Maps.

All for a price that is a fraction of an iPad!
www.acer.com

2. LG G5 smartphone from Sprint  - the latest LG Android smartphone and a great deal from Sprint

$0 down $24 a month for the phone. Sprint is also offering a trade-in credit when bringing in your old phone.

The LG G5 is more than just a smartphone, it's your new best friend. Select Auto Shot on the front-facing 8MP camera, strike a pose and let your phone take the selfie for you. Thanks to the slide-out removable battery, you can swap batteries and power up in virtually no time. Choose one of the LG Friends to connect to your LG G5, like the LG 360 VR and experience virtual reality like never before.
 

3. Beats By Dr Dre Solo2 Luxe Collection

A luxury line of over-the-ear headphones that sounds great and is under $200

Available in 4 sleek color options: Blue, Red, Black and Silver

Has a more dynamic, wider range of sound with a clarity that brings you closer to what the artist intended you to hear

Framed for a custom-fit feeling with earcups ergonomically angled for a natural fit and optimal comfort + sound delivery
 

4. Brrr.  Coolwrap and clutch - from an Atlanta-based company (A cool combo)

With hot weather on tap, Mom will love the cool wrap from Brrr and the accompanying clutch.

It's a permantly cool wrap, not as cold as ice, but like a cool breeze. Put clutch in your freezer overnight and it will keep your wrap icy and fresh cool.  $69 on QVC for this exclusive.
 

5. Davek Alert - the world's first smart umbrella

The world's first smart umbrella offers quality and technology
The Davek Alert and it's sister, the Davek Alert Mini are well made umbrellas that sync to your smartphone and will never be lost or misplaced. Once your umbrella is connected ot your phone, it can send an alert when you leave it behind.

The whole process of syncing your phone and umbrella is simple. Once you have your Davek Alert, download the free iOS or Android app and place your umbrella near your phone for about 60 seconds. Your two gadgets will pair and you are set. Users have the option to turn the "alert mode" on or off for the day. The app comes with a sleek weather module that gives your weather forecast.
You will be alerted when you are separated from your Davek umbrella.
 


Rick's App of the Week:

CVS Pharamcy app along with "CVS Express"

Takes all the confusion out of ordering presrciptions and taking your medications.

The CVS Pharmacy App is like having your own pharmacist in your pocket. It and allows users to easily locate and transfer prescriptions to the nearest CVS, refill prescriptions and set daily medication reminders so no matter what time zone you’re in you’ll always remember to take your medication.
CVS Express:

The latest curbside delivery service to hit the Atlanta region, CVS Pharmacy launched CVS Express, designed for busy families, parents and individuals, who don’t want to be bogged down by running errands. With CVS Express customers can place an order through the CVS Pharmacy app (free of charge), schedule a pick up time and upon arrival in the CVS parking lot a CVS employee will bring your order out right to your car – convenient right!?
 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/27/16 - High Tech and Healthy Snacking

Just in time for spring and summer road trips and that quick morning breakfast or afternoon snack.
Also great for recovery after a workout, a softball game or even 18 holes of golf.

Snacking has gone healthy and high tech. Rick tries 5 snacks out for taste and nutrition.

 Have a listen to Rick's picks for healthy snacking!
 

 

1.  Bare - baked crunchy chips

- come in Apple, Banana, Coconut

Bare snacks start with real fruit picked at its ripest and sliced just right. We then slowly oven-bake each batch to a caramelized crunch. Now you can satisfy your craving for crunch with the goodness of fruit.

Low calorie, high fiber, fat-free
No sugar added, low sodium, cholesterol-free
No additives, no preservatives, GMO-free
Made with 100% fruit and a good source of dietary fiber
Bare Snacks doesn't mind showing you their assets. That's because they are USDA certified organic, with nothing artificial, ever. The satisfying crunch and sweetness of Bare Apple Chips come from special ovens, that caramelize the natural sugars on the outside and bake in crunch on the inside. This gives them the goodness of fruit with the crunch of a chip, and makes them a great-for-you, anytime snack.
 

2. Puffins

-a cereal and more from Barbara's Bakery

http://barbaras.com/products/puffins-family/

- A favorite as it's crunchy corn and oat pillows with molasses. 5g of fiber and just 5g of sugar.
Eat as a snack or cereal. Also comes in pumpkin flavor
 

3.  That's It - fruit bars

http://www.thatsitfruit.com/

- Nutrition on the go...
What you see is what you get with these great tasting snack bars that are the perfect breakfast on the go, quick snack at the office, or healthy treat to pack in your children’s lunchboxes. They don’t contain any added sugar, corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors, purees, concentrates, or any type of preservative. Just 100% all-natural premium fruit that’s specifically designed for nutritious on the go snacking wherever life may take you.

What’s not to love about real fruit that doesn’t require any washing, peeling, or slicing to enjoy? With only 100-110 calories and 2-5g of fiber each, That’s it. fruit bars are the ideal guilt-free snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also fat free, kosher, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO, and raw. Taste all of our flavors and see why That’s it. is the only two-ingredient snack of its kind in the market today.
 

4. Carve bars

- protien bars with natural ingredients

Carrve is nutrition that helps everyone "catch the wave of their life" We provide clean, conscious, delicious and affordable functional foods that will fuel people’s goals and adventures around the world. We strive to keep our products and business practices authentic, transparent and mindful.
Non GMO / Gluten Free
- Low Sugar / High Protein
-Ingredients: Cashew Butter, Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate Chips, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Chicory Fiber, Vegetable Glycerin, Cinnamon, MCT Oil, Honey.
The cookie dough bar is delicious
 

5. Chocolate Leathers from Kayco

- Satifies that craving for chocolate while still being healthy
CHEWY SNACK FOR KIDS & ADULTS IS SOY & DAIRY-FREE, JUST 60 CALORIES
For those who love dark chocolate there’s a new snack to satisfy your sweet cravings that’s low in calories and big on chocolatey taste - Dark Chocolate Leather follows on the success of Original Chocolate Leather, launched last November. Like the Original, Dark Chocolate Leather, from Kayco (also known as Kedem Foods), is an innovative twist on the traditional dried fruit leather but 45% to 50% lower in sugar and lower in fat and calories than most chocolates.

The new Dark Chocolate Leather contains pure dark chocolate, cocoa nibs and brown rice crisps that have been transformed into a delicious and chewy chocolate snack, free of dairy and soy. The new 0.5 oz. treat has 60 calories and two grams of fat. (Original Chocolate Leather has 50 calories and 1.5 grams of fat).
 


The App of the Week:

John Deere’s MowerPlus app

This app monitors mowing progress like a Fitbit, monitoring every mow along the way. The app tracks mow path, distance, speed, engine hours, and logs all of the operator's mows throughout the year. It helps keep homeowners on track with their lawn maintenance and mower use in an easy to use app, ensuring that they feel confident maintaining a great looking lawn!

The free app is iOS and Android friendly and compatible with any brand of lawn mower, not just the green and yellow variety (though we certainly prefer it!). Check it out here - http://bit.ly/MowerPlus.
 

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 4/6/16 - Masters App and Fitness Gadgets for the Spring

Rick is on the Gulf this week as in the Gulf of Mexico as he is doing some travel pieces in New Orleans and Biloxi.

Have a listen:

It's also Masters week and the newly updated Master app is back and more interactive. it's for all iOS and Android devices and also has integration this year for wearables like Apple Watch and Android Wear that features a tournament leader board, player bios and additional real-time tournament data. Fans will also be able to use an enhanced version of Track for iPad and desktop systems. This all includes a picture-in-picture feature to watch live and player comparison data. Users can also personalize their experience with a feature called "universal favoriting." Basically this is a ability to spotlight your favorite players and follow how they are doing during their round.

 
It's also the perfect time to see what's new in fitness devices for the spring...


1.   Fitbit

Fitbit Blaze gives the Apple Watch a run for its money, especially for activity tracking addicts who have long been counting steps with the Fitbit’s system. The top-of-the-line wearable goes toe-to-toe on features with Apple’s wearable, including a color touchscreen, heart rate sensor, notifications and music control. It even packs onboard GPS so you can leave your phone behind and run free. And FitStar, a digital coaching program, introduces wrist-bound workouts to your routine, showing you how to do new exercises without having to watch examples on your handset.

2. Sensoria Smart Sock

Wear this smart sock and get feedback from our ankles, yes, ankles because that’s where the pressure signals to this fitness tracker are. Designed for runners, the Sensoria Smart Sock tells you how well you’ve been running and how to improve your performance over time. Even though it has signals or sensors in the sock, it’s still washable and as comfortable as the next pair of conventional socks.

 


3.  Hidrate Spark

The Hidrate Spark makes sure you are drinking enough water.... The Hidrate Spark app-enabled water bottle can help count every sip you take. A 24-ounce, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free plastic sports bottle, the $55 Bluetooth canteen has a sensor that measures the amount of water you drink. The accompanying app tracks your progress throughout the day (and over weeks and months) and can even connect to popular fitness apps like Apple’s HealthKit, Fitbit, and Jawbone Up. And, of course, there’s a social element which lets you connect to your Spark-owning friends. Time for a 21st century water fight.
 

4.  Finis Neptune

In almost every sport, music can be a rather powerful motivation to run or cycle that extra mile but never to swim that extra lap, until now. Like Sportiiiis, the Finis Neptune is secured onto the user’s eyewear, in this case, swimming goggles. This device uses bone conduction audio to relay music to the user’s ears, without the need for ear buds.

The device also makes music louder and clearer when submerged underwater. It also comes with a built-in 4GB of storage space, a rechargeable battery that lasts 8 hours and an OLED screen with music controls and all for $159.99.
 

App of the Week:

2 New Orleans apps...

-  GO NOLA app
- New Orleans Official Visitor's Guide app

 GO NOLA - New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, the cocktail, the po-boy and now, GO NOLA, the Official Tourism App of the City of New Orleans. GO NOLA is the most comprehensive, constantly updated, go-to source for all things New Orleans. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy or you’re a local and just want to get the most out of your weekend, you’ll find that this app is where it’s at.
From the French Quarter to the Garden District to the historic Treme, New Orleans’ Official Tourism App has you covered. You’ll find “Things To Do,” “Places To Dine,” “Where To Stay,” “Nightlife & Music” and more. Plus, this is the only New Orleans app that features free, celebrity-narrated walking tours.
Like New Orleans itself, this app is full of surprises:
- Planning trips to New Orleans is made easy with hundreds of restaurant, music, hotel, and shopping listings filtered by neighborhood, price, distance from user’s current location and more
- Take your pick of celebrity-narrated walking tours of famous New Orleans neighborhoods, each with a unique archive of historical documents and photographs. Celebrity narrators include John Goodman and Wendell Pierce, with more to come
- “Insider Tips” feature guarantees you’ll always be in the know in NOLA
- Build your New Orleans itinerary with the handy “My Trip” feature
- “Get Directions” button activates built-in GPS, ensuring you’ll never get lost in New Orleans

New Orleans Official Visitor's App - For something official, check out the New Orleans Official Visitor's Guide, which is free for your IOS device. Hit all the hot spots in New Orleans with ease and the help of this official app. A complete directory with addresses will help you find the way and save time. The app gives great detail and picks to go along with planning tools
 

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!