It’s time…
It’s time to take advantage of the great outdoors, says Casio America, Inc., a company that features timepieces designed to track data and navigate outdoor adventures. From seasoned enthusiasts to casual hobbyists, Casio’s PRO TREK series includes the following:
- PRO TREK PRG300.The watch features Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology, said to offer more accurate data readings to help navigate through any adventure. The timepiece includes a direction sensor and pressure sensor for compass capabilities as well as altimeter/barometer readings, enabling the user to easily check and record necessary information on outdoor conditions. In addition, the Tough Solar Power technology enables users to charge the timepiece in low or fluorescent light, eliminating the need for continuous battery replacement. The device powers down when not exposed to light for a certain period of time to conserve energy.
- PRO TREK PRW3500.Based on Casio’s PRW-3000, which has a digital display and is water resistant up to 100 meters, the 200-meter water-resistant PRW3500 permits outdoor enthusiasts to take their adventures to new heights – and depths. The device is equipped with Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology and Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping technology, and automatically synchronizes with atomic clocks in the U.S., Germany, the UK, China and two clocks in Japan, based on the user’s home city setting. In addition, the PRW3500 features large buttons, non-slip surfaces and a register ring that has been shaped for easy gripping for easy operation, even if the user is wearing gloves.
For more information visit www.ProTrek.Casio.com.
A freebie
Or rather, a FreeMo. FreeMo (www.getfreemo.com) is an Android mobile screensaver app that uses targeted advertising to eliminate consumers’ cellphone bills by passing those costs on to advertisers. It is available for Android devices on Google Play, as well as on the GetFreeMo.com website. Let’s face it: The average smartphone user’s cellphone bill has skyrocketed to $100 or more each month. FreeMo suggests that consumers, who supply valuable marketing data to advertisers when using their cellphones, deserve to be compensated for this data in the form of free or drastically reduced monthly cellphone bills. The screensaver app reportedly displays full-screen, high quality advertisements and local deals on users’ lock screens when the phone is locked. The ads displayed on each user’s screensaver are specifically targeted to that user. (The user chooses from several preference-based categories in the app to ensure he/she receives more relevant ads.) Downloading and maintaining the app on their smartphone entitles users to an automatic $5 credit off their bill every 30 days. Users get another $5 credit for every person they refer that downloads and keeps the app on their phone. FreeMo works with all carriers, from pre-paid services like Boost, Metro PCS and Virgin Mobile to post-paid carriers like T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. The company has partnered with American Consumer Surveys, Twitter, Lyft, Pandora and others to provide even more ways by which to earn credits, such as by taking surveys, downloading apps, watching videos and redeeming coupons – credits that can be redeemed and directly applied to users’ smartphone bills. Users who earn enough credits receive free that month.
Rugged efficiency on the go
Janam Technologies LLC, a provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, has launched its ultra-rugged, ultra-compact XT2 touch computer. Although it’s designed for use in challenging environments, the Android™-powered XT2 is said to provide maximum uptime, reliability and accuracy to enable mobile workers – including those in field service and delivery/sales – to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. Features include:
- Android 5 Lollipop operating system and is certified by Google to support all Google APIs, including Google Play.
- Weighs 10 ounces, with a 5-inch touch screen strengthened with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3.
- Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and 4G LTE connectivity for ready access to critical information.
- Slim-format SE4710 scan engine, designed to quickly and accurately capture barcode data from more than 2 feet away.
- Sealed to IP67 standards to provide protection from dust and survive immersion in up to 3 feet of water.
Groovy
The rapid evolution of the digital landscape can leave even savvy techies struggling to keep up with new trends and innovations. For those less comfortable around laptops and smartphones, Denver-based GroovyTek offers in-home, on-site and online training designed to help users grasp personal technology in relatable, understandable terms. The best part is, GroovyTek trainers will feel your pain; they are said to have an empathetic nature and seek to provide their customers with one-on-one, personalized consultative training sessions. Although GroovyTek’s service currently is limited to the Denver community, the company plans to expand to additional cities by the end of the year. It is also actively building additional platforms and resources dedicated to their core audience in the form of video curriculum and even new social media platforms.
Summer safety
BlueFox, a Swiss-based company that specializes in underwater technology and pool safety, is working to bring its BlueFox ST1 to market. The BlueFox ST1 is a bracelet designed to save lives by preventing accidental drownings. It is made for people of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly, and reportedly can be used in any body of water around the world. The fully automatic device reportedly can alert authorities, family members or other swimmers when a person is in danger of drowning. BlueFox ST1 includes an electronic base and an alarm module and is programmable to the age and swimming ability of the wearer. If the swimmer exceeds his or her depth and underwater time setting, the alarm module is disconnected from the bracelet and a balloon is forced to the water’s surface, alerting others in the area with a loud alarm signal. The alarm can also be sent to an external receiver, such as a walkie-talkie. BlueFox ST1 can be pre-ordered from a single bracelet to a family pack of 4, various retailer packages, or a distributor pack of 100 units. At press time, the device was expected to be available this August.