Geekazine

E-bikes are a great way to get around town, but in the past have been too big to really transport. SmaCircle has changed that idea with a fully foldable bike that can get you to work and back. It’s so small, you can fit it in a backpack!

What is SmaCircle

This is a foldable E-bike that weighs only 19 lbs. It has a 13 mile range on a single charge, and can move at up to 12 mph. You can use it with the iOS or Android app to monitor speed, and lock/unlock the bike for use. It also tracks speed, mileage, and power levels in real time.

The SmaCircle simply folds up, and can be put into a backpack when you need to store, or simply take on travel. It also has a strap for easy carrying when you don’t have a bag available.

Other features include full hand brakes, LED lights for night riding, brushless and gearless motor, and a carbon fiber body. The bike also can go into sport mode, which allows for 20 mph speeds.

The 5.7 AH battery is part of the seat. It will fully charge in 3.5 hours, and also allows for 1.0A USB charging.

SmaCircle is available now for $1,399 and can be found on Amazon. You can also buy from the SmaCircle Website.

You should always wear protection (Helmet, pads) when riding the SmaCircle.

At CES 2020, I got to check out the Huawei Mate X foldable. This is a continuous screen foldable running on Android.

About the Huawei Mate X

The Mate X is an outward foldable screen. When collapsed, the screen is over 6 inches (which can be used on either side). However, if you open the phone to tablet mode, an 8 inch tablet is available at your fingertips.

The MateX screen is 2200 x 2480, with the Mali-G76 MP10 GPU. The CPU is an Octa-core Cortex A76 processor, with 8 GB RAM, and 512 GB of storage. A card slot allows an additional 256 GB storage.

The device opens when you press the button on the side panel. This button also is a fingerprint sensor to unlock the phone.

The screen uses a plastic screen, but the frame is all aluminum; therefore, lightweight at 10.4 oz. When folded, the phone is only 11 mm thick – perfect for placing in the pocket.

Cameras include a wide lens at 40 MP f/1.8, telephoto lens at 8 MP f/2.4, and ultrawide 16 MP f/2.2 lens. When folded, you can get into a selfie-mode, but also do “mirror mode” so you both can see what the camera is capturing.

Another feature of the Mate X a dual screen in tablet mode. That way, you can read email, and watch videos, or have another program up to reference.

Finally, the Mate X contains a 4500 mAh battery, with Huawei SuperCharge feature – 85% in 30 minutes.

Thoughts of Mate X

The screen is outward, as opposed to the Samsung Fold, which folds inward. I really wanted another camera on the tablet side of the phone, with a possibility of doing split-screen video (recording myself and subject).

The phone is pretty solid. The hinge looks to be crafted to take a lot of folds. It’s also light, so running in tablet mode won’t tire out the arm too fast.

Being a leader in 5G, the new Balong 5000 chip is inside. I wasn’t able to test speeds, which will really depend on if your carrier has 5G in your area.

The Mate X will be available in the U.S. in February, and expected to be around $2,600. You can travel to China to get one for around $2,400 right now.

For more information, check out Huawei’s Website.

We all sing in the car. Why not give you the cool tools to make you sound like you’re at the Karaoke club? Better yet, do some recordings for your Car Karaoke channel. That is where Roxie comes in. I talk with them at CES 2020 about their system.

What is Roxie?

Roxie is a Bluetooth/FM dongle that connects to any car radio. The dashboard microphone allows you to sing into the mic, giving you a hands free experience, with effects!

Attach a phone or tablet, and Roxie will scrub the vocals so you can sing the song on your own. The sound goes through your car stereo speakers for all to hear.

Voice commands allow you to set up songs, play, and pause while you drive. This is perfect for any musician trying to learn songs for their cover band, or the car VJ that is simply getting ready for work.

And kids will love the fact they can sing their favorite songs like if they were at a Karaoke party. After all, it’s a party in the car!

Roxie is still in crowdfund – check out Carkit.ai for more information.

ALOGIC is changing the way the docking station is used – especially nowadays when we can use docking stations with computers, tablets, and phones. These Docks can transfer files, add peripherals, and charge your items in one shot.

ALOGIC USB-C Dock Wave

This is a 3-in-1 solution for travel. The USB-C can host any laptop or mobile device. The USB-C is fast charging, the card reader allows for file transfer, and 2 USB-A ports for a mouse, or other connector.

The Dock Wave also has a power bank inside to charge devices via USB-A, or the qi wireless system on top. The hub comes with a 5,000 or 10,000 mAh battery for device charging when not plugged in.

Prices start at $89-$129. You can get at Amazon (by February) or through the ALOGIC website.

At CES 2020, Alogic also debuted a dual-USB-C bank for Macbooks and PCs. Dual 4K @60Hz workstation. This includes dual 4K output for $129.

“All you have to do is plug it in”, is what the company says. Sensorscall CareAlert is a monitor for people that want to stay independent as long as possible, but don’t want to deal with technology.

The multi-sensor system detect motion, temperature, and more. The device can be configured to let you know what’s going on in the house.

Through the app dashboard, you can check out what’s going on at the house, and even send a push reminder to take pills, check the heat, and more.

The device connevts to whatever personal assistant you own – Alexa, Apple home kit, Google Assistant, Cortana. You can also use IFTTT to set up reminders or get notified if an event happens.

Sensorscall is on pre-order at Sensorcall.com.

Super Novo from Human Touch

Getting into a massage chair during CES 2020 helps out a lot. But why reserve the spot one day a year, when you can get that same massage all year round?

Human Touch is not only showing off their different massage devices, but also talking about how they are working with businesses and companies so you can be relaxed anywhere and everywhere.

What is Human Touch?

Human Touch is a leading provider of high-performance massage chairs, including their zero-gravity recliners. From head to foot, this company will help you relax it.

What is the Super Novo?

This is the highest-end massage chair that Human Touch offers. From leather interior, to Altec Lansing speakers, and Alexa enabled, you can relax, have your muscles loosen up, and set up the right environment to help calm you.

With Alexa built-in, you can control the audio, a TV, or just find out what’s going on outside your comfy chair. You can also get white noise sounds from rain, to meditation programs, or your favorite Rush tune…

It also brings in a unique S and L-Track massage, while extending foot, calf, and knees, so arthritis, and muscle spasms can go away for good.

And Super Novo has 3D and 4D programs, which include the dimension of variable speed. Just like a massage therapist will do.

Advanced fingertip controls allow you to manage the functions of your chair. Go from sitting to zero-gravity and back at your own pace. Change volume, control heat, auto-start programs, and more.

Human Touch Corporate Program

I talked with Michelle, who is actively working with companies to put chairs into their offices, and businesses. Massage Envy, for example, has Human Touch chairs in their facilities nation-wide.

They are working with other places, such as airports, and wellness centers, along with companies that want to put a chair or two in their employee’s wellness area.

After all, a good massage before a workout, or even a masseuse can get your muscles ready for what is to come.

Super Novo does cost $9,999. They also have other options from foot and leg massagers, to chairs that start at $1,600, and more.

Check out Human Touch for your need. You can also head to HumanTouch.com.

According to Statistica, there are 5.3 million people that inline skate. I have my pair in the basement. One reason why it’s there is because I never really liked how it brakes. But Stopskate is working on that with an electronic brake for your Inline skates. I look at the brakes at CES 2020

Stopskate EBS 480

This is an aftermarket system you install on your inline skates. Using a wireless handbrake, you’ll be able to stop the skate just like you would a bike.

The small device fits on many different models of skate, and stops from the middle of the foot – as opposed to the front or back, which could make you fall forward or back.

Stopskate has been installed on brands such as Fila, Powerslide, K2, Rollerblade, and Tempish skates.

Prices start at $249, which you can get at Stopskate’s website.

I spent some time with my friends over at Mixtile, to learn about how a more connected home can help in security, ability to control rooms, keep the IoT devices from your home WiFi, and more. All within the Mixtile ecostructure.

What is Mixtile?

This is an IoT system you can put in a home, a business, or other area. The Mixtile system could connect hundreds of devices to the Internet, so it would work in a work, hotel, or other living care facility.

The idea is to put certain items into WiFi containers, using the products Mixtile supplies. For example – all your security cameras could be attached to a “Camera” wifi network, which is secure from the “guests” wifi.

Mixtile also works with 56 brands, and 152 devices. It includes support with Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth to connect devices that are non-Wifi based. Therefore, you could turn on-off TV’s via Infrared (IR), control sensors around your building, and get alerts for your smart home.

Alexa or Google? Instead say “Hi Mixtile”.

With so many personal assistants, Mixtile can wrap it all in one, so you don’t have to remember which device is Alexa enabled, Google Home enabled, or Siri. Simply use the Mixtile wake up word.

Mixtile devices are also placed on walls or ceilings, so you can reduce the clutter of all these assistants, USB plugs, and power cables. Mixtile is affixed right into the home power grid.

The Mixtile System

Mixtile Edge

The newest device in the line of Mixtile, the Edge adds Artificial Intelligence (AI) with IoT to create a fully controllable environment.

The Edge the most powerful smart home hub in their product line. This is for larger houses, businesses, and open spaces.

This manages sub-gateways. You would use this with the Mixtile Link

Mixtile Link

This controls the single room devices. You place the link on the ceiling, central in the room. This will allow the Edge to talk with the link, rather than with the device in the room.

The Link will add WiFi range into the room, so smaller or older devices don’t disconnect as easy. The Link also will be able to control IR devices in that specific room, and help strengthen the Bluetooth connections.

Mixtile Hub

The Mixtile hub features a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB eMMC storage, 1GB RAM, and end-to-end double encryption.

This connects with the devices in the house, or the Mixtile Link as a range extender for larger buildings, multiple floors, or buildings with thick walls.

The Mixtile Hub starts at $149.00 and can be found at Amazon

For more information, check out Mixtile.com

MyGekoGear focuses on in-dash cameras for aftermarket vehicles that want to install these security cameras into their cars. We look at cameras that connect to 4G/LTE, can be controlled by Alexa, and even a dash cam with extension for the back of your trailer/boat at CES 2020.

Cameras can be found through Amazon, or from MyGekoGear.com

Insight 4G/LTE Dash Cam

This is a dash cam that connects via 4G to alert you if new incidents arise.

You will need a SIM card (GSM) to use this camera. Set up what type of alerts you want, and if you want text, or video alerts.

You’ll be able to review on spot (depending on connectivity), or when you get back to the car. This could be really handy in a auto theft – as you’ll see where they are going.

GPS dongle is also available to track where your vehicle is.

The Insight is $239

O!lexa Dash Cam

This camera is Alexa enabled. The camera connects with your phone connection so you can ask the weather, plan a route, make calls, and more while you are looking at the road.

This camera has a 1600p front, 1080p interior camera, 140 degree view, GPS logging, WiFi, driver assist, and much more.

The O!lexa is $239.99

Pocket Gimbal Dash Cam

The coolest thing about this dash cam is you can dismount it, then use it like a 3-axis gimbal cam (similar to the Osmo Pocket).

In the car, the gimbal offers stabilization of the dash video. You can even flip the camera to an Interior view!

The pocket gimbal records in 4k, and the 1.4 inch screen allows you to customize the view. Time lapse, sports view, and slow motion are also available.

The Pocket Gimbal is $299.99

Surveilium Prototype

This rear-view mirror replacement is not out yet, but planned for the end of 2020. This camera features an alarm with flashing light if it detects intrusion or accident.

Right now, it comes with 1080p front and Interior cameras, 140 degree view, 2.5W speaker (for alarm), and 8 ultra-bright LEDS.

Infiniview Lite

This also replaces your rear view mirror with a dual Front/Rear camera system. The mirror is a touchscreen, to help you configure the device.

The back up cam system comes with a extension cable so you can affix the camera to the back of anything you are hauling – a boat, trailer, vehichle, and more.

170 degree front and rear view, 1080p sensor, rearview assistance in-mirror, and IPX7 weather protection.

The Infiniview Lite is $239.99

Orbit R Radar Dash Cam

The Orbit R is also a Radar detector, keeping you safe from speed traps.

Orbit R records in 1080p, 150 degree view, GPS logging, and contains FCWS and LDWS driving warning.

Orbit R is $239.99

More MyGekoGear Orbit Cameras

From the Orbit 510, 550, 950, and many more, each has their own features, some are dual cameras, some have GPS, G-sensors, and different view degrees. Perfect for whatever vehicle you need your dash cam for.

NOTE: As I posted this video, the premiere was able to be seen on their site, as the video showed up shortly afterwards.

Every year, I do a web search on Geekazine. I want to know what is out there using it for possible issue. I found my YouTube videos on a series of websites. Some have re-uploaded specific videos, while others simply use my embed code (which is perfectly fine).

Then I came across AZclip.

The Fake YouTube Websites

I won’t be linking to them, but if you do a search on alternate search sites (I used Yandex – an alternate to Google and Bing), you will find them in abundance. They have different names, are in different languages, but all have your content – down to the comments.

These sites also have scraped your content within hours. Even continuous live streaming videos are available (like Geekazine LIVE).

The Problems with These Fake YouTube Websites

The first one is how it looks like a YouTube website – down to the logo. The toolbar is slightly different, but I would guess it will soon update links so it mimics even more.

Secondly, your videos and channel have a full description, view count, likes, and even comments that also appear on your YouTube channel. You can like and share from these sites, but they will be of the fake YouTube website.

These Sites Allow Downloading of Your Content

Geekazine Video page on AZClip dot net

There are a few programs that allow you to download videos, but these sites allow the download right on the website. It’s a 720p or less download, but still, someone could easily take videos and put them on their own sites.

The Embed Code Does Take You to YouTube

Keep in mind, some of these websites put a play overlay, blocking the link to your actual YouTube channel. In these website’s case, they don’t do that. So you do have a way to get to the native channel and video.

But all other links have been removed. They do a tagging algorithm that links your channel name back to their website channel.

No YouTube Ads?

I am also not sure how they are doing it, but from all the videos I saw, there are no embedded YouTube ads running. They don’t overlay their own ads on the video, but the page does have their ads on the page.

Can You Get it Taken Down?

Each of these websites had their CAPTCHA revoked. There is no way to contact them for takedown that I found. They all have TOS and privacy policies, but also no information for contact.

The websites are registered to a people in Russia, and contact info is protected

The only option is to turn off embedding of videos. That means that nobody can use your videos – which could hurt your channel. Since I have an external website, that would mean all my videos on Geekazine would have to come from somewhere else (which they do – through my Cachefly account).

Is YouTube Doing Anything About This?

I talked with a support agent, and was told the only thing I can do is file a copyright complaint. I couldn’t do it through YouTube, since they are technically posting the video correct. It doesn’t cover descriptions, banners, or anything else.

That means the next step is to hire a lawyer, and try to have my content taken down. But as I look at these channels,