A speaker that hears
The Aether Cone – a sphere-shaped Wi-Fi speaker with voice recognition – may provide you with the perfect music listening experience after a tough day at work, provided you don’t mind its hefty price ($399) or the fact that it’s only usable with a single music streaming service, Rdio. Rdio is linked to the free Aether app; however, once the device is set up with iPhone (iOS 7 or later) or Apple computer, it no longer requires the app. And, on the plus side, the portable speaker (2.9 pounds and no more than six inches wide) features Nuance’s voice-recognition technology and can play your requests, eventually even learning your musical tastes. The cone reportedly comprehends requests beginning with “play,” followed by the name of the artist, or the song and artist.
Whistle while you work
Tablets aren’t just for work. The E FUN Nextbook 8-inch tablet with Windows 8.1 is designed for entertainment as well, according to the manufacturer. The device features a mini HDMI output, enabling it to connect to one’s television. Videos, games and mobile apps downloaded to the tablet may be viewed on a larger, high-definition television screen. Netflix, Hulu and other online services can be streamed to any TV directly from the tablet, as well, without the need for a separate device, such as a Roku or Apple TV. Or, users can watch YouTube videos or surf the Web on their screen. Pairing the tablet with a microUSB adapter and an Xbox controller enables users to take their gaming to the next level. Or, they can use the tablet as a dedicated e-reader. Nook, Kindle and other eBook apps are available to download from the Microsoft Store, giving users free access to more than 3 million books, magazines and newspapers, according to the manufacturer. On a similar note, the Nextbook 8-inch tablet comes preloaded with Xbox Music, providing access to free radio and free music streaming.
Safe online shopping, for you and your customers
Online shopping can be a convenience – until one becomes a victim of cybercrime. CompTIA, an IT security company, offers shoppers some common sense tips for a safe online shopping experience.
- Before providing personal information and credit card data, make sure that the website’s URL starts with https:// and displays a small locked padlock icon. This identifies the website as having a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate.
- While some email shopping offers are legitimate, many others are a cover for cybercriminals and scam artists. The adage, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, applies to all shopping, including online. Before they click on a suspicious link, shoppers should check the Internet to see if the company and product are for real.
- For any card that has a PIN associated with it, shoppers are advised to change their PIN if they have been using the same one for a long time. Longer, harder-to-guess pins are recommended.
- Shoppers should avoid shopping on open Wi-Fi networks. Even if these networks have a password, they are not as safe as one might think.
- Shoppers should set up automated alerts on bank and credit cards to track purchases. To learn more, visit
Enjoy the view
To complement the bigger, sharper displays on the latest Apple® devices, OtterBox® has introduced Alpha Glass ™ screen protectors for the iPhone® 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The fortified glass screen protectors are available for both devices in clear and privacy. Made of anti-scratch and shatterproof material, Alpha Glass is built to protect the device’s touch screen while helping to preserve clarity. And, the tinted screen effect helps keep the screen contents darkened to everyone but the device user. To install Alpha Glass, users require an included alcohol wipe, microfiber cleaning cloth and all of the tools needed for a bubble-free application. Custom fit to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Alpha Glass products are available for $29.95 in stand-alone and case-compatible options.
New heart monitor is in time for American Heart Month
Mio Global recently introduced FUSE, a device that combines the features of a heart rate monitor, sports watch and all-day activity tracker. The device, said to have a 0.99 correlation to EKG (electrocardiogram), monitors one’s heart rate, step count, distance, speed, pace and calorie burn. It is compatible with smartphones, bike computers, GPS watches, and other sport devices, and transmits heart rate data via Bluetooth® Smart 4.0 and ANT+. Unlike sports devices, FUSE works with third-party apps, giving users control over how they can track, store, and review workout data. It is available in two sizes in Crimson and Aqua colors, and retails at $149.
Streak free, germ free
Smudged and filthy cell phone screens don’t merely look bad. They are germ-infested, according to experts. Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at the University of London indicates that 82 percent of mobile phones have some form of bacterial contamination, making it more important than ever to keep the screens of our most frequently used devices clean. Toronto, Canada-based WHOOSH! offers Screen Shine Duo+, a non-toxic, streak-free screen cleaning solution that is reportedly safe for every device screen and is designed to keep screens clean of fingerprints and smudges. It is available at Apple.com and in Apple stores for a suggested retail price of $19.95.
3D printing that’s user safe and environmentally friendly
3D printing is getting better and better, say manufacturers. The Toronto, Ontario-based Poieo3D.com has introduced the Poieo3D Printer, which has no sharp edges, hot plates or unsafe lasers. Instead, a large window illuminated by a cool-running white LED showcases each 3D-printed creation as it forms, one layer at a time. The Poieo3D Printer is environmentally-friendly as well, according to Poieo3D.com. The printing process employs filaments of biodegradable print material derived from renewable plant-based resources. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, this material reportedly does not give off foul-smelling fumes when the printer is used, making it safe for office, home or classroom use.