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ANOTHER dozen hot products from the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas

Wireless HDTV,  a Facebook rabbit, PC-MAC file sharing made simple, 1000 speed Compact Flash cards, the best Nikon yet – D4, hi-def video from a remote controlled helicopter,  radar protection and GPS pet retrieval are just some of what’s in store for this “gotta-have” collection from CES. 

The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show closed yesterday in Las Vegas, but you’ll be seeing many of the products introduced at the show in the coming months on your store shelves. Here are another dozen that caught my eye as I wandered the 35 football field’s worth of exhibits. 

If you missed the first dozen, click here.

Be sure to watch the video to see all the product illustrations.

11.       Actiontec MyWireless TV enables you to get your High -def feed without strings of HDMI wires - up to 150 feet away.

22.       Emergency power available anywhere, anytime with one spoon of water and small hydrogen cartridge. Will recharge your iPhone completely with one charge. Under 9 ounces in weight and about the size of a 6” sub (without tomatoes.) from Industrial Revolution.

33      Karotz - the  rabbit does a little bit of everything:

3.

·         Learns your voice & habits

·         Announces your appts.

·         Reads the weather & news

·         Reads your email & tweets

·         Reads Facebook updates

·         Wakes you to music

·         Dials your fav web radio

·         Tutors your kids

·         Records security webcam footage

44.    With a little help from Cinematics, you can trick out your DSLR to act just like Hollywood’s finest cameras, maybe better. You ’ll probably need a bigger bag when you’re done.

55.       Nikon’s newest – the D4 DSLR.  Shooting 16.2 megapixels in FX format with:

·         ISO range from 100-12,800, expandable from 50-204,800

·         10 fps with full AF/ AE or 11 fps with AF locked

·         Magnesium alloy body sealed to resist the elements

·         Accepts CF and new XQD memory card format

·         91,000 pixel 3D Matrix Metering system

·         Advanced video features:

o   Uncompressed HDMI out

o   Mic and audio jacks

o   Full 1080p in FX, DX and 2.7X crop modes

o   Full manual control of Exposure

66.       Way cool product - way strange name - the Wormhole Switch by J5Create. Simple cable connects PC with Mac, or two PC’s or two Mac’s (including tablets)  and allows control of second device from the first. Drag and drop files, control with one mouse. No software needs to be loaded - all USB driven.

77.       Lexar’s new industry-leading 1000x (150MB/s) minimum guaranteed sustained read transfer

7 speed compact flash card. It’s available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities.

88.       Parrot AR Drone indoor or outdoor remote control helicopter now comes with onboard high def video and still camera. This quadracopter is controlled by Wi-Fi using your smartphone or tablet.

99.       Biscotti brings you high-def video phone on any TV.

·         Real time picture and sound.

·         Free Calls to anyone, anywhere.

·         No monthly fees.

·         Easy setup.

·         Wide-screen picture.

110.   Escort LIVE service works on iPhone or Android platform with live traffic, laser and radar protection. Get real time reports from other Escort equipped vehicles. Currently there are more than a million compatible ESCORT or BELTRONICS radar detector on the road in the United States. ESCORT Live™ is the social network for the road.

111.   Zerochroma cases come sized for iPad and iPhone. Infinitely adjustable in either landscape or portrait mode. Provides solid support for viewing or typing. Also acts as a protective case for device. Folds totally flat when not in use.

112.   TAGG - the pet tracker. If your dog runs away, you‘ll be able to track her movements on your app-enabled smartphone or computer and retrieve her in record time. Get an alert any time your pet leaves a predetermined zone.

I plan to do further in-depth road tests on all the above products, so subscribe to my column or stop back and catch up later. Many products have not been released yet, but most all should hit store shelves by summer 2012. Questions? Comments? Leave them in the comments box below or email me for more information.

If you missed the first dozen pics, check them out here.

A dozen hot products from the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas

My first 12 products you’ll likely want from this year’s CES…if you bike, shoot video, have an iPad or iPhone, love adrenaline sports or use a computer.

The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show is overflowing with technology for every lifestyle and interest. While Apple and the iPad are never at CES, you can still find accessories for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that take them to new levels.

Below, you’ll find ways to improve your iPad or iPhone video and audio, ways to make your iPhone help you lose pounds, and ways to enjoy more content than you can fit into your iPad’s internal memory. 

It’s not all about Apple however. Read and see some great new high end tech from Lenovo and some simple tech with Coby’s replacement for the Flip camera. There’s probably something here for everyone. 

Be sure to see all the images in the video.

• 1.       Optrix - Heavy duty iPhone case and a pair of helmet mounts let your iPhone become a waterproof and dustproof helmet cam. A special app for the iPhone records g-forces, speeds and GPS tracking to show your course, all embedded on your video.
• 2.      Ultra slim, but sturdy, Bluetooth keyboard for computer, iPad, iPhone, whatever, from Verbatim.
• 3.      A trio of Freecom portable hard drives – about the size of your hand. Nice and heavy duty. Ideal for throwing in your camera bag or suitcase. Available as 500GB, 1TB or 1.5TB with two year warranty. USB 3.0.
• 4.       A surprisingly simple solution to increase the loudness of your iPhone music with no batteries or power required. A simple megaphone for your iPhone from Simple Solutions.
• 5.       Handiest Handycam yet from Sony. Full 1080HD to SD or Memory stick or internal memory. Will detect human speech and cancel out background noise. Also takes 20.4 megapixel stills.
• 6.       Heading for the woods? Take your own personal solar power plant with you. This can power your laptop from 2 to 25 hours (depending on size) from stored charge, or even longer if used while the sun is shining. Solar panel folds for storage. No noise - no emissions. Come in appropriate green color, from UPG.
• 7.       Coby CAM5005 pocket camcorder that picks up where “Flip” left off.  2.7” touchscreen monitor makes filming easy. Internal 32GB memory and optional SD card.
• 8.       Lenovo’s Yoga - 1/2 Tablet, 1/2 ultrabook, but totally cool. Beautiful touchscreen monitor with Windows 8 and Linux dual OS. Up to 20 hours operation on one charge.
• 9.       16GB portable wireless storage for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Simultaneously shares with 3 users. Built-in battery. includes USB2.0 cable for charging and file transfer, from Kingston.
• 10.   Freedom mic from Scosche acts as a Bluetooth lavalier with your iPhone so you can record high quality audio from 33 feet away. The unit can also start and stop video as well as shoot stills from the same distance.
• 11.   iBike Powerhouse takes your iPhone and converts it into a personal fitness coach for biking. Customize your program to increase endurance, lose weight or shape your butt. Goal specific programs have been designed for real people, not elite cyclists, by fitnes expert Hunter Allen. iPhone holder works on stationery or road bikes and is weatherproof.
• 12.   H4N Handy recorder from Samson, features 4 track recorder with X/Y stereo mikes as well as dual XLR inputs for 4 track simultaneous recording. Records 96kHz WAV files or MP3’s up to 320kbps. Reference speaker lets you check recordings and SD/SDHC cards are used for storage. Tripod mount enables unit to be used as mic for your camcorder/camera

I plan to do further in-depth road tests on all the above products, so subscribe to my column or stop back and catch up later. Many products have not been released yet, but most all should hit store shelves by summer 2012. Questions? Comments? Leave them in the comments box below or email me for more information.

Coming soon…watch for my next dozen hot picks from this year’s show. 

The iRig Microphone and iPhone apps

Now, a microphone and apps just made for recording on your iPhone

Finding quality audio gear at a reasonable price is usually a difficult endeavor.  Finding compact audio gear that travels well is also a challenge. To find something that sounds good, doesn’t cost a fortune and travels well – Uber Cool!

Such is the iRIg Mic from IK Multimedia. This quality condenser microphone plugs into the iPhone you are already carrying and gives you audio recordings which are bound to surprise you. Made of heavy duty material, this mike feels really good in your hand. 

Three sensitivity settings on the handle let you immediately adjust for a distant song bird, a close-up interview or an ear-crushing live rock band.  Free software apps enables you to do simple straight recordings with iRig Recorder or for those vocalists out there, try the also free VocaLive. Both do great job rights out of the Apple store, and both can be upgraded to give even more features with in-app upgrades available.  Check out the video demo of iRig recorder (with optional features.)

With an ala carte menu available, you can get just the effects you need for the recording types you do. The VocaLive app comes with Reverb and Doubler already included (once you register). Singers and songwriters will have a suite of 5 dedicated real-time vocal effects (pitch correction, choir harmonizer, voice doubler, vocal morpher and de-esser) plus 7 effects tailored to vocal processing (reverb, EQ, compressor, delay, envelope filter, chorus, phazer) that can be combined on a 3-processor vocal rig chain. VocaLive also includes dozens of presets to help you get up and running in seconds.  Check out the video demo of VocaLive. 

Ever wanted a multi-track recorder? Would you believe a four–track recorder for only $4.99? Believe it. You can even import songs from your iTunes library, drop out the vocal track and rerecord the song with your voice. Way to go IK Multimedia.

Both apps will work on iPhone, iTouch and iPad. And if you are using an iPad, you’ll want to check out their iKlip, a sweet, simple adapter that mounts your iPad right onto a mike stand. If you are a performer, you can take your iPad onstage with you. 

For more details and sample recordings, check out the IK Multimedia website.

iPads help fly your next flight?

iPads have been famous for doing many things, including the seemingly simple task of functioning as an eBook reader.  Well, through a collaboration of the Allied Pilot's Association (APA) and American Airlines, the iPad may now start being responsible for insuring your next safe flight.

Did you ever follow a pilot down the concourse and notice that big rectangular leather catalog case he was carrying?  Ever wonder how many magazines he could stuff in there?  And why does ever single pilot have one of those things? 

Well, it turns out that each pilot is required to carry a flight manual, which consists of pages and pages of paper in an updatable binder.  How much paper? How about 35 pounds of paper. That  represents a whole lot of trees. Each manual consists of flight maps and a whole "how-to" guide to each plane being flown.

Each time there is an update, new pages are printed, they are sent around the world to every pilot and each has to be inserted into their manual.

That's where the APA  and American Airlines got together and brought a little technology to bear. Using iPads, all that paper was digitized and made instantly available to the pilots in a 1-1/2 pound package instead of 35 pounds. These iPads will be known as EFB's or Electronic Flight Bags. Pending final FAA approval, things could get a whole lot lighter in the cockpit. The final testing phase involves Boeing 777 pilots from American Airlines Los Angeles crew base.

The pilots love it because a) they aren't breaking their backs hauling that extra 35 pounds every day for every flight and b) when updates are issued, it's as simple as updating your iTunes library.

American Airlines is happy with the results as well, lowering printing and distribution expenses, as well as reducing fuel consumption by carrying less weight.

The environment wins as thousands of trees won't be cut down.  

iMainGo: X and iMainGo: 2 – product reviews

You say you want audio? You say you want your volume BIG, but you want your package small? iMainGo has you covered. The two iMainGo audio units are essentially a protective clamshell that has bold sounding audio speakers  and a padded compartment to hold your iPod, iPhone or iTouch. A clear, touch-sensitive window allows control of your device even when the shell is zipped closed.

Not an Apple fan? No problem, both units will work with a host of MP3 players as well. With its gold tipped 3.5mm stereo plug, just about anything with a headphone jack will work. (That means you could use it with your iPad, although a special model for the iPad is coming this year.)

SOUND QUALITY

You like your music because it sounds good, and loudspeakers aren’t what you want if they distort the music or audio broadcast you’re listening to. No problem here. The two titanium speakers and two tuned bass ports put out sweet sound no matter what genre you choose. Good bass is hard to come by in small packages and these are about as good as life gets. I and everyone I’ve shown them to have been amazed at the quality.

POWER

There are two models to choose from.  The iMainGo: X has its own internal rechargeable battery pack and comes with a medium-sized wall wart plug to recharge or for extended sessions. One full recharge lasts a good long time. The iMainGo: 2 uses 4 conventional AAA batteries obtainable anywhere for up to 30 hours of playtime.

VOLUME

Rarely does anything this compact put out the huge sound of these two units. Literally, you’ll be able to hear these units over 50’ away. Want more distance? Daisy chain two units together and get twice the power. (This only applies to the iMainGo: X model, which comes with two headphone jacks as well as a microphone input jack.)  As cool as that is, I doubt you’ll ever need it. 

Now you can watch your iPod videos and actually enjoy the audio without headphones. You won’t miss a thing with these speakers.

iMainGo products are sold online at their website or you can also find them at Target, Amazon, REI, EMS or MacHelper (Canada) and Amazon UK. Try them, I know you’ll be blown away.

Keeping an eye(Phone) on traffic

To help travelers across the country this Memorial Day, Appitalism.com , the mobile app superstore, has put together a list of the top apps to help avoid traffic and truly maximize your time off.

Below is the full list for your review:

• Traffic V1.04 (Free for the Apple iPhone) - Based on your current location, or any other location you configure, Traffic will retrieve the current traffic conditions in the area and display them on a map or in a customized listing. Easily switch back and forth between map view and list view to monitor all of the traffic around you.

• Traffic View  (Free for the Apple iPhone) - With only one purchase, get coverage for all supported cities in just one app! Based on your current location, or any other location you configure, Traffic View will retrieve the current traffic cameras in the area and display them on a map or in a customized listing.

• How's Traffic? ($.99 for the Apple iPhone) - Do you check traffic conditions before you leave the house?  Did you just miss “traffic on the twos” on the radio?  The days of constantly checking traffic reports are over.  With How’s Traffic? all you need to do is tell us what to look for and we will do the rest. Whether you are making your daily commute or going on a trip, we have the traffic information that you need.

• Beat The Traffic-V2.0 (Free for the BlackBerry) - Beat the Traffic® is the easiest way to enjoy a hassle-free commute in the USA and Canada and provides live traffic maps, showing traffic speeds and incidents on major routes for more than 100 cities.

Do you have any other smartphone apps that you like for traveling?  If so, please share them with your fellow readers in the comment section below. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. 

Product review – Spiderpodium

For all those gadgets you own that don’t come with a stand, Breffo.com has an answer for you, and it’s call Spiderpodium. It’s a gadget holder extraordinaire. With as many legs as a spider and way more moves than Gumby, this thing will form itself to hold whatever you need held.

As popular as the iPhone is, the darn thing is just not easy to mount where you want it. Want to mount it in on your tripod to take photos or video – not  going to happen. Want to stand it up on a table to watch a video – good luck. Until now…

The Spiderpodium can handle all these with just a few twists and turns. It’s flexible appendages will form whatever shape you can imagine and hold your phone, your digital camera or maybe a GPS.

It will attach to your car seat back so kids in the back seat can watch iTouch videos. It will hang from your rear view mirror or from your a/c vents on the dash. It will even wrap around handlebars on your bike or your treadmill at the gym.

The possibilities are endless. When you aren’t using it, fold it flat and stick in your bag or glove compartment. You’ll be glad you did.

Spiderpodium is sold in black or white models, but I’d recommend the black as it won’t show the dirt as much. It’s also available in a larger model for your iPad and iPad 2.

How to ‘really’ type on an iPad or iPhone

iPad 2 has brought hundreds of thousands of new users to the tablet community. Add that to the millions of smartphone users out there, and that’s a lot of people who want to share information. Unfortunately, what many can’t come to grips with is the lack of a practical keyboard.

If you are filing reports from the field, or heaven forbid, trying to fill out a spreadsheet, there is nothing worse than a non-tactile, appearing and disappearing keyboard.

Productivity is back, thanks to Freedom and their i-Connex keyboard. This is a foldable, but full size keyboard that connects with your device by Bluetooth. Once paired and connected, you can go right back to touch typing and quickly complete your project.

The i-Connex will connect with a large number of popular devices including:

• Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch running the 4.0 OS
• Windows Mobile 6.1 and 6.5 (with built in HID support).
• Playstation 3
• Windows, Mac and linux based laptops, PC's, tablets and netbooks.
• All other devices that have built in support for HID Bluetooth keyboards.

There are so many nice touches built into the i-Connex that make it a pleasure to use:

• A slide-out stand is concealed in the unit which gives you a place to rest your smartphone at a convenient viewing angle. When you are done, flip it back to the flat position and reinsert it back into the keyboard case for travel. It adds virtually no weight.
• Separate Alt and Ctrl keys allow you use your favorite keyboard shortcuts.
• Six separate keys perform multimedia controls like play, forward, reverse, volume up and down.
• A sliding lever locks the keyboard in the full open position so you can use it on your lap without the keyboard folding up during use.
• Separate up, down, left and right arrow keys.
• Full set of function keys F1 through F12 available.
• A dedicated e-mail key
• Comes with a protective case so it can be tossed into a purse or briefcase. It operates on AAA batteries and reportedly lasts 90 hours in use or 3,000 hours in standby mode.
• Two lights indicate battery and connection status

With the freedom from my laptop, I can now file stories from the road using just my iPhone. Even though I had that capability before, without a real keyboard, I could just not bear the thought of struggling with Apple’s flat keyboard. The idea of filing a 400-word story was not something I would have ever considered. With the i-Connex, it’s no problem.

You can find the i-Connex keyboard as well as other Freedom keyboard solutions on their website as well as at Wireless Ground: http://www.wirelessground.com/ and eAccess: http://www.eaccess-estore.com

Now with products like Quickoffice and LogMeIn, there’s no excuse why you can’t be truly productive with your smartphone or tablet.
Freedom i-Connex Mini Bluetooth Keyboard for Verizon iPhone 4, AT&T iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S/Tab, Playstation 3 and any HID Enabled Device (White)

Apple iPad 2 debut details

The new iPad will be available 3/11/11.

Steve Jobs thrilled Apple nation with his appearance at todays iPad 2 rollout.  After a  standing ovation, he proceeded to list the new features of the iPad 2:

• ·         Same entry level price as iPad 1
• ·         Same 10 hour battery life at iPad 1
• ·         New dual facing cameras
• ·         1/3 thinner  from 13.4 mm to 8.8 mm
• ·         Lighter – now 1.3 pounds
• ·         Available 3/11/11  in two colors including white and black
• ·         Available on 3G from AT&T and Verizon
• ·         HDMI video out with new cable
• ·         Mirrored video out up to 1080p works with all apps
• ·         New magnetic cover shuts unit off when folded shut
• ·         Cover acts as stand for the unit when open
• ·         Case comes in poly model for $39 and leather for $69
• ·         New release of iOS 4.3 due out March 11th
• ·         Face time will connect iPad 2 to iPhones
• ·         New app for iPad2 is iMovie – only $4.99
• ·         iMovie to be a precision editor with multitrack audio recording and AirPlay to Apple TV
• ·         iMovie comes with over 50 sound effects built-in
• ·         New sharing options include YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, CNNiReport and others
• ·         Another new app - GarageBand for iPad
• ·         GarageBand comes with touch instruments: grand piano, organ, guitars, drums, bass
• ·         Guitar amps and effects on 8 track recording and mixing
• ·         Comes with 250+ loops
• ·         Songs can be emailed as AAC files and they are compatible with Mac version
• ·         Offers eight styles of keyboards with two full octaves on screen – can toggle for more
• ·         Toggle for sustain pedal
• ·         Keys sound different if pressed hard or light – done with accelerometer
• ·         Using a 50’s style keyboard you can tweak vibrato with a wiggle of your finger
• ·         Using drums, the sounds change depending on where you hit them – rimshots on the edge
• ·         They’ve created Smart Instruments so now even if you don’t know how to play , you can play guitar
• ·         You can strum chords or it will strum for you – how lazy can we get?
• ·         Eight tracks are available to mix and match recordings and loops
• ·         GarageBand will also be available for $4.99 in the app store on March 11