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Geekazine

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Geekazine episodes

  • Toyota LQ Concept Car with YUI





    At CES, Toyota showed off a concept car of the future, along with other mobility devices that will be in their prototype city of the future, called Woven, by Mt. Fuji, Japan. I take a look at a few mobility items in the Toyota booth, and see how they could impact our future.



    Toyota YUI Concept LQ



    The Concept LQ car is a beautifully designed vehicle with many different features. From the blinking headlights (to simulate eyes), to the sleek, aerodynamic design, and even the options to make this a luxury vehicle.



    YUI is the user interface within the car. It debuted at CES 2017, and continues to be developed in newer versions of the concept vehicles for Toyota. After all, YUI needs to be your friend, since it will be going with you everywhere.



    The LQ showcases AI, automated driving, personal assistance, and new innovations. One in particular is the headlight system. A “Digital Micromirror Device” (DMD) that projects images and possible messages on the road ahead.



    Getting a notification from your headlights? Not bad.



    Other Concept Vehicles



    We also look as an automated transit vehicle, personal mobility vehicles, and signage robots that can warn you of hazards ahead, or just give you helpful information while moving about the city.



    For more informatiion, check out the Toyota press release.





    4 min
  • Razer Kishi Adds the Game Controller You Want for Your Phone

    Razer Kishi



    It’s always fun to see what Razer comes out with. Especially since gamers look for high-end experiences. With phones getting just as powerful as consoles, the only thing that is missing is a good controller…



    …until now.



    Razer Kishi Attachable Controller



    Whether iOS or Android, the Kishi will help you improve your gameplay. This add-on connects right to the lightning or USB-C connector on your phone, so you have a joystick and button option for gameplay.



    The controller wraps around your phone, just like a Nintendo Switch. The two sides are tethered together with the “belt”, but this is what helps in the ultra low latency gameplay.



    And the Kishi will be able to hold different sized phones. Padding on the sides will make sure your device won’t jostle around or scratch the surface.



    The controller consists of 2 clickable thumbsticks, D-pad, bumper buttons, 4-button A-B-X-Y – just like a standard X-Box or Playstation, as well as a home button.



    When not in use, the belt folds up the controller to a closed state. This is perfect for portability, and assures you don’t have the two sides dangling like a pair of nunchuks.



    Razer Kishi is slated for release before June, with the Android version coming first. Razer will price it around $100, so it’s and affordable add-on to your phone.



    For more information, check out Razer’s home page.



    Check out Razer on Amazon



    Razer Sila 5G Home Router Concept



    When 5G is launched, you’ll be able to put your SIM card in the Sila to utilize cloud gaming. This mesh router will be the home base for all gaming – phone, Steam, or console.



    Not too many details on this, but keep an eye out in the coming months.









    7 min
  • Mevo Start is a Small and Simple Livestreaming Solution

    Mevo Start



    At CES 2020, I met up with the folks at Mevo. The company has been through some changes, as CEO Max Haot bought back the camera in April, 2019. Their newest offering is the Mevo Start. I sit with Nathan from Mevo to talk about the camera, and all it can do.



    About the Mevo Start



    This is a 1080p camera with the same functionality as their Mevo Plus. You can connect the Start to a mobile device (Android, iOS) and livestream, or record an event.



    The Start adds more audio features, with a 3.5mm input. You can use that for a microphone, or go through the USB for sound. A Mevo Mic app is also available for remote sound capture.



    The Mevo Start is only 3 inches tall, so you can set it up and put it away fairly quick. The camera has a tripod mount built-in for whatever tripod you use.



    The 802.11ac MIMO WIFI with dual antennas built in will allow you to connect to your phone, and a Wifi source. Additional accessories will include a POE wired connection, which will be available later this year.



    The Start will stream to Facebook, Periscope, Vimeo/Livestream, YouTube, or any RTMP (or RTMPS) source. When it’s actively recording, the built-in Tally light will indicate such.



    A new version of the App is expected later this year, so you can connect up to 5 Mevo Start cameras to your compatible mobile device.



    Mevo Start is in Pre-order for $299, and plans to start shipping in April.





    Pre-Order on Adorama





    Start on Amazon (When Available)











    8 min
  • We.Lock AI.one Smart Lock Targets AirBnB Market





    At CES 2020, WeLock shows off several wireless locks, including models that help you manage your AirBnB listings. WeLock is one of the top 5 smart locks in the European market.



    WeLock allows for access using a keypad, smart card access, Amazon and Google enabled, and app access – including instant access from your phone (Android or iOS).



    Other models include fingerprint sensors, and a special cabinet lock that keeps doors closed while not looking like a lock is on them.



    Each lock runs on AA batteries, which will power the lock for up to 1 year.



    For more information, check out the WeLock website.



    WeLock on Amazon













    4 min
  • Roland GO:LIVECAST Livestreaming Studio for Phones

    Roland GO:LIVECAST



    If you want to live stream using multiple phones, then check out Roland’s new offering, called GO:LIVECAST. I got to check it out at CES 2020, and it looks pretty amazing – perfect for the creator that has limited recording space.



    How GO:LIVECAST Works



    You start by downloading the GO:LIVECAST app on iOS or GO:LIVECAST on Google Play. This app will set up your device with features beyond recording. You can set up your devices before connecting to the Studio box.



    Your primary mobile will set up all media rolls, sound, and what service you want to stream to (YouTube, Facebook, or just record the video). Set up the secondary mobile device as a Satellite camera.



    The GO:LIVECAST Streaming Studio



    The device gives you buttons at your fingertips. The studio will help with audio (1 XLR-1/4″ combo jack), headphones, and USB micro-B (to connect one device).



    Since the LIVECAST runs on 5V USB power, you could easily connect a high-end Battery power pack for portable use.



    With this setup, you could ditch the computer, and fit your whole production in one bag. Not bad if you need to be completely portable.



    The GO:LIVECAST is available for $249.99 and is available now. For more information, check out the GO:LIVECAST page on Roland.





    LIVECAST at Amazon





    LIVECAST at B&H





    LIVECAST at Sweetwater











    5 min
  • Hohem iSteady X 3-axis Gimbal for Smartphones









    At CES 2020, I talked with Hohem Technology Co. about their new 3-axis gimbal camera stabilizers. Using the app, this device connects the joystick to the phone, so you can control from the stabilizer.



    The iSteady X is the newest of the stabilizers. This is a pocket-sized gimbal weighing 249 grams (8.7 oz). It’s small enough to put in a larger pocket, or bag easily.



    The iSteady X is set up for anyone to use. With quick buttons, you can zoom in, out, take video or photo, and go from landscape to portrait mode.



    With the new moment mode, you can make quick videos using templates. This includes cinematic features, like the camera rotating, or zooming in and out while you record your subject.



    The iSteady X will be available in February, but no price is out yet. Hohem does have well priced products, so I would guess it’s going to be rather affordable for your need.



    You can get Hohem products on Amazon. Check out the Hohem website.













    5 min
  • Sure Petcare Helps Your Pet be Independent and Safe





    Pet Care is more simple than ever with Sure Petcare. Your pet’s microchip can help you not only keep track of your pet, but also help feed them, let them in/out, and more. We look at the primary offerings at Sure Petcare at CES 2020.



    Sure Flap Pet Door



    This is a simple pet door that uses the pet’s microchip to let them in and out. Better yet, you can also allow access via smartphone when you are away. You can also use it for access via your smartphone for other things, such as a mail carrier with a larger package.



    There are several door options for what you need. You can connect each door with up to 32 pets.



    Prices start at $139. Get Sure Flap on Amazon



    Sure Feed Connect







    This is a pet feeder that also uses a microchip to open the food door. If you have multiple cats, this is perfect for feeding.



    The sealed pet door will open when your pet walks up to it. You can also set it up to open at certain times – if your pet is eating too much.



    Sure Feed allows for up to 32 microchipped pets. It connects to your network so you can control via app.



    Prices start at $56. Get Sure Feed on Amazon



    Animo



    Learm more about your dog’s health with this pedometer tracker. Animo tracks your dog’s activity, from sleeping, to walking, barking, scratching, and more. You can then plan activities for your dog, or simply know if there is an issue – if they’re scratching too much, lethargic, or other behavior.



    The device fits around the dog’s collar. It does not use the microchip to track.



    Animo starts at $89. Get Animo on Amazon.



    You can also check out all the products from the Sure Petcare website.













    3 min
  • Smart Belt Tells Waist Size and Gives Fall Risk Assessment





    Seems like everything is smart nowadays. This includes your belt! It doesn’t tighten or loosen after a meal, but it does give you information about your waist size, and if you’re not doing too good.



    The Smart Belt Pro



    This is a premium Italian leather belt with automatic buckle. It connects to your smartphone, and connects to an app. It will track waist size if you want, but this belt has another great feature.



    The sensors in the belt will assess your walking patterns. If you are limping, if you are wobbling, and if you could possibly be getting ready to fall.



    After all, 1 in 4 people fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury, and over 27,000 deaths each year.



    Using the Gait Pattern, the belt will determine if you are walking unstable. It will determine the fall risk, and report it back to you.



    It can’t notify authorities, but if you have a loved one that tries to stay independent, the app can notify you if they are walking different, or fallen.



    The Smart Belt Pro is $395 and available in April. There is a Signature line for $195, but it does not come with all the sensors the Pro does.



    Get the Belt Here – or check out the WeltCorp Website.









    3 min
  • Lenovo Shows Yoga Flex 5G Laptop, Motorola Razr, ThinkReality A6, and More at CES 2020

    Motorola Razr Foldable



    At the Lenovo pop up area at CES 2020, they company showed off several technologies, including the new Yoga Flex 5G laptop Qualcomm showed off during their keynote. The Motorola Razr was also present, along with several other new technologies Lenovo is working on.



    Yoga Flex 5G







    This is the first laptop using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor. This 2-in-1 computer can connect using 5G, and totes a battery life of 24 hours – whether you are surfing, or streaming video.



    The Flex 5G also comes with a 13.9 inch, IPS touchscreen monitor (400 nits), using the Adreno 680 GPU at 1080p resolution.



    The Snapdragon processor has been benchmarked as being slightly faster than an Intel “Kaby Lake-R” Core i5 processor.



    With 8 GB RAM, and 512 GB Storage, this is a perfect business laptop to have. In a good 5G area, someone could connect to their business VPN and work without a lot of latency.



    Other features include USB-C, headphone/mic jack, and airplane mode switch for when you’re using in-flight.



    The Flex 5G will be available later this year. Check here when available.



    Motorola Razr Foldable



    I got my first look at the Motorola Razr foldable flip phone. It brought me back to my days when I owned a Razr for my cell phone.



    The phone comes with 2 screens – the face screen that gives you quick contact information and a selfie camera viewer – and the main 6.2 inch foldable cinematic display (21:9) that gives you more space to work, watch video, and more.



    Cameras include a 16 MP f/1.7 aperture main camera with dual tone flash, and a 5 MP front-facing camera.



    The battery is 2510 mAh with fast charging. Motorola says it will power the phone for a full day.



    Razr will be available later this year. Go here when available.



    ThinkReality A6 Headset



    More from Lenovo in Video



    We look at some of the other computers and peripherals that Lenovo is coming out with, including the new laptops with the e-ink dual screens, the ThinkReality A6 Augmented Reality headset. Check out the video to see all the cool features and products you can get.



    View all Lenovo CES products here













    11 min
  • IOGEAR Announces Upstream Pro, 4K Video Capture and Live Stream Gear

    IOGEAR has entered into the live stream capture game. New products that will capture cameras, game consoles, and more for your YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook Live video production. At CES 2020, I got a first look at all the cool new gear that will be coming out soon!











    GUV301 Upstream Video Capture Adapter



    The IOGEAR Upstream Video Capture adapter is a USB-C device that can capture 1080p @60Hz. Simply connect an HDMI-enabled camera to the device and stream to YouTube, Facebook, or record to Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or another program.



    The Upstream Video Capture Adapter will be available for $99.95







    GUV 302 Upstream Game Capture



    This is a capture card that can be attached to a tripod, and camera. You can use this for HDMI capture of a game, or a video source.



    The 302p has 4k loop out (for the game system), USB-C in, and USB-C for charging.



    The Game Capture will debut at $179.99



















    GUV 322 Upstream 4K



    The Upstream 4K Game Capture Hub is a smaller device that will capture and mix 2 HDMI sources. You can broadcast in 1080p @60Hz.



    Mix the cameras using an iPhone or iPad (software available for this). Send video to a computer or HDMI capture card. Separate audio capture via XLR or RCA input.



    No price determined yet.







    GV303 Upstream Pro



    A small production studio for the streamer that wants to bring in more than just cameras. This allows for 4 camera input, iPad



    The buttons allow you to manage your transitions, add graphics and overlays (like lower 3rds).



    The Upstream Pro is a PC-free studio. You can connect 2 streams at once (bandwidth pending), and record to external HD through USB.



    The Upstream Pro will be available for $999.











    In the video, we look at the Upstream Pro in action, supporting 2 cameras, game capture from a Nintendo Switch, and audio capture from a Blue Microphones Yeti. Fairly impressive small capture system that is extremely portable.



    Check out all of IOGEAR at Amazon.









    8 min

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