Quick Bytes

Smart moves
SmartMove has introduced a physical activity tracker designed to track one’s time spent seated, as well as physical activities such as standing, walking, running, and cycling. Sensors are embedded in insoles, which reportedly fit most shoes. The sensors track the user’s activity and wirelessly send detailed activity and calorie-burn information to his or her smartphone. The SmartMove app, available for both iPhone and Android, provides real-time feedback and personalized coaching.

Faster, better cell phone service
Marketing startup, Artemis, is discussing its new technology, pCell, designed to combine incoming signals from several pWave base stations and provide users with the equivalent of their own personal cell. The goal is to ensure cell phone users receive LTE at all times, including a signal reportedly up to 1,000 times faster than today’s standard. Cell towers today must be far enough away from each other to avoid causing interference, but close enough together to ensure service. When too many users are in one place, their data use can bog down a tower. Artemis, in contrast, deploys a massive number of router-sized boxes – or pWaves – designed to provide better service to a smaller area. Compared with the 250 milliwatts used by most Wi-Fi radios, pWave radios reportedly use a 1-milliwatt transmitter to deliver data. In addition, they are said to require less infrastructure to power a cell network and cost users less power. Once the technology becomes available, it will be compatible with iPhones and Android devices, although some devices will be more compatible and use less power than others. The initial consumer launch of pCell is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2014.

Recycling electronics
Most people understand the importance of recycling. But, for some reason, recycling electronics still isn’t on their radar. According to a recent survey by ecoATM, the nationwide network of automated electronics recycling kiosks, 57 percent of American device owners have idle cell phones in their homes, and only 22 percent say they have previously recycled cell phones they no longer use. The survey suggested the following:

• Nearly four in ten device owners – or 39 percent – have at least two unused cell phones, if not more. Less than half (49 percent) have sold or recycled their old smart phones.
• Only 46 percent of device owners say they would consider recycling old gadgets, even though most believe that recycling is good for the environment, safe and worth doing.
• When upgrading a device, 12 percent of device owners say they would consider throwing away their old gadget away, while nearly 30 percent would store it somewhere in their homes.
• Over half of device owners know that it’s possible to recycle unwanted devices in drop-off bins inside cell phone provider stores or via online trade-in programs, while 20 percent are aware of automated recycling kiosks. At the same time, more than one in 10 incorrectly believe that it’s okay to dispose of old devices in any recycling bin, such as a curbside bin.

ecoATM provides nearly 900 kiosks, which are located in shopping malls and select retailers nationwide.

Wearable camera
NewViewWear, wearable camera apparel, is scheduled to launch on Indiegogo, a platform that makes it possible to raise necessary production capital for manufacturing. The patented technology features three styles of apparel (polo, hoodie and fleece), with a removable 10-millimeter high-definition camera. The HD camera reportedly enables wireless connectivity and the ability to customize automated video and photo recording modes, allowing multiple uses with its accessories. Available at http://www.NewViewWear.com/, NewViewWear will ship to first backers for $189, which includes the apparel, camera, accessories and USB cable. Additional features include wireless connectivity, video mode and a variety of automated recording modes, including time lapse, loop and retro.

Staying connected
SafeinHome offers a new senior safety system designed for adult children to help their aging parents live safely at home. Nearly 80 percent of seniors over age 75 depend exclusively on unpaid family members for their care, according to the company, which estimates that medical expenses and the cost of part-time assistance to help maintain the home can run as high as $50,000 annually. SafeinHome’s mobile device-enabled services use wireless sensors to track the elderly person’s activities while at home, including their length of stay in a room, when they leave and return to the house, whether they have left the stove on, and whether they have taken their medications. The system is designed to send information directly to family members’ smartphones or tablets, alerting them about unusual events that might signal a problem.

Power bank
NewGlobe, a mobile power solutions provider, has launched its Bamboo series of high-capacity external batteries. The Bamboo power bank is available in a range of capacities, from 2600mAh to 5200mAh, 13000mAh and 15600mAh. In addition, the power bank reportedly offers lithium rechargeable battery capacity for more efficient connectivity. For consumers who need maximum power, NewNow Bamboo VI offers15600mAh and is reportedly capable of charging smartphones 6 to 8 times and tablets up to three times. The NewNow Bamboo VI will charge itself completely in 7 to 8 hours. The NewNow Bamboo series is available on Amazon and eBay, starting at $11.89, and is compatible with Apple, Samsung Galaxy, HTC One, Google Nexus, Kindle, Motorola Droid Razr, Nokia Lumia, Sony PSP and more.

Long range wireless speakers
Hammacher Schlemmer recently introduced its rechargeable wireless indoor/outdoor speakers, The Only Rechargeable Long Range Wireless Stereo Speakers. The speaker system features a rechargeable lithium battery said to provide up to 10 hours of use at medium volume. A 2.4GHz radio transmitter, which is included, is designed to send interference-free audio from any music device to the speakers, up to 250 feet away. Each 5-watt speaker has a 3.5-inch bass/midrange driver, a 2.5-inch tweeter, a bass reflex port, individual volume control, and left/right channel selection.