Geekazine

It’s the original device that needed a stylus to use. But it’s 2019 – Time to ditch the stylus with the Dubreq Stylophone Gen R-8. Now you can play Space Oddity, Santa Cruz, and other favorite songs with your finger. And it’s also got some extra functions. 

What is a Stylophone?

I have to admit – I didn’t know what it was, either. And I was a music major!

This is a pocket-size keyboard that came out in the 70’s. It looks like an old answering machine – a metal strip with a keyboard etched in the front. It plays and sounds like a simple keyboard. 

The Gen R-8 Ditches the Stylus

New features include a  full analog signal path, sub-oscillators and subsub oscillators, 12dB VCF with low pass, high pass, and notch, MIDI in/out, and much more.  Glide and modulation side buttons allow you to do just what they suggest by pressing the area, and moving the finger on the keyboard. 

The Dubreq Gen R-8 is not out yet, but is in pre-order for $349. You can pre-order on Dubreq.com. 

You wouldn’t think that bra technology is a thing, but Soma has found a way to bring the undergarment into the 21st century. Women can find the right bra for them, that fits their bodies. And the best part is – you can get the technology, or do it in-store. 

What is SomaInnofit? 

This is a sizing garment that takes your measurements through the app. The garment uses digital filaments that measure size and shape of the left and right breast. Connect it to the iOS or Android app, and it will take your measurements. When you are done, you can instantly shop for bras in your size. 

At CES, I get a first look at Soma Intimates, along with the SomaInnofit. You can purchase this now for $25, or go into any local Soma store to get a fitting.

The SomaInnofit is available now at Soma.com

Sometimes, looking for the best musician for your songs can get tough. Maybe your regular musician moved half-way across the world. Not to worry, as Sessonwire is here to help you connect with them and play the parts you need. Best part – you’ll have close to real-time playing, so if you need them to re-do a section, they can bang it out, and move on. 

What is Sessionwire

Sessionwire is an interface with your session musicians and your DAW. You stream live, sending them the music they need to play with. Once the part has been recorded, the audio is sent right to you, so you can review and finalize the track. 

This is a one-on-one session at this point. You have a talkback mic option so you can communicate with your musician. 

I not only talk with the folks at NAMM 2019, I also talk with Kevin – who’s sitting in Canada to show how easy it is to bring a track over. 

Prices start at $15/month, or $150/year. You could easily make that back with the right recording session.

For more information, check out Sessionwire.com

I stopped by Arcade1Up to find out the new games that will be coming in 2019. It’s exciting to find out that hits I used to play in the arcades and bars will be in my basement. Not MAME, but full cabinets feeling like they did back when I played them growing up. 

Who is Arcade1Up

This is a company that focuses on game cabinets like the ones you would see at arcades during your childhood. The company makes 3/4 size cabinets, with authentic arcade controls and gameplay. Each cabinet comes with all controls you would see in the arcade, and a 17 inch LCD screen. 

Cabinets come with either arcade series (such as Pac-Man and Pac-Man Plus), or multiple games you can choose from. 

Coming Soon from Arcade1Up

At CES 2019, I got to check out the new titles, including Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders, Final Fight, Golden Tee and Karate Champ. I also checked out their Counter-Cade models, and the new hanging wall-cade models. All with the same specs as the cabinets. 

Check out available Arcade1Up Models here. Also check out the Arcade1Up website. 

 

While at CES, we learned about how Qualcomm is forwarding our auto technology with with Celluar V2x (CV2x). During the Qualcomm press conference, the concept car showed us what our driving experience could be in the future. I sat down with Jeff Dumrauf to find out more about what we saw. 

This is not Autonomous – CV2X is Assisted Driving

Keep in mind, this technology is not to give you a hands-free experience. This is a way to keep your attention on the road. The idea is this is another set of eyes that makes sure you’re not going to get into an accident. It’s also about communicating with other cars to find out where they are going, so your car can help you make a better decision. 

Multi-screen Dashboard

The dash we see in these demos doesn’t really reflect what the car manufacturers might put in their cars. In fact, the demo used Amazon Alexa for connected communication. That will change, depending on what other car companies work with for their connection. 

This vehicle has a full dashboard screen, which also works for the passenger. Two monitors in back for others to enjoy content while driving down the road. But the driver will only see the information they need to keep everyone safe. If they’re not being safe, the car will tell them. 

Staying Attentive While Driving 

Jeff talked about ways the car will help the driver stay attentive. From dashbord notifications, like we saw in the CV2x Demo, to other tangent options, such as vibrating the seats, lights, and more. 

This is not just for drivers, either. A passenger can be notified, so the driver doesn’t have to take their hands off the wheel to nudge someone.

In the Video

Lots more is discussed as we take the concept car for a spin. 

Samsung made big splashes at CES 2019 with “The Wall”. No, they aren’t teaming up with Pink Floyd, but the band could use the technology at their next concert, or watching their favorite concert. The Wall is a giant TV that’s based on micro LED technology and consists of small modular panels. The end result is up to 219 square inches of stunning images.

Samsung “The Wall”

Since it’s based on modular panels this set can be customized to your need. That means you can build it to fit any size space you want in your home – it doesn’t even need to stay in a square pattern. That also means that you can get any aspect ratio and resolution as well. The set that you see here is 6K. If you want a smaller display, just shrink it down to 4K.

It works with a frame kit where the panels fit into, and a tablet-esqe remote that allows you to control the settings. You can use all 219 inches, have a couple 75 inch displays or configure to your need.

There’s no info on pricing or release date yet, but this is one that you want to keep an eye on. Check out Samsung for more information.

New Samsung 8K QLED Monitors from 65 inches

I got to also check out the 8K QLED displays. Samsung is expanding on the sizes with 65″, 75″ and 98″ sizes. 33 million pixels are no joke! Keep in mind – Geekazine CES videos are rendered in 1080p. But even though that would take up a small corner of this QLED monitor, Samsung’s Micro LED, along with scaling technology built in, makes sure the video is not blurry or pixelated.

QLED technology 85″ is available now at $14,999. Other monitors prices start at $4,999.00 (65″, 75″ and 82″ 8k models are still in pre-order). Pre-order here.

Check out all Samsung technologies here.

Awesome news for your music making needs. Band in a Box by PG Music has updated the software for 2019 to 64 bit, while also adding a VST3 plugin for your software to bring tracks right into your work. I talk with the folks at PG Music about this new update at NAMM 2019, and get a demonstration of the new product. 

What is Band in a Box 

This is a great way for you to put your ideas down in a quick mannor. The interface has over 2700 hours of studio musicians recordings, making up their RealTracks, that you use to create your songs. These recordings are copyright-free, so you can create your own original music for albums, YouTube, Podcasts, and other media presentations. 

The software also recognizes multiple variations and chord structures. Therefore, your F11b9 chords will be represented in the music. 

VST Plugin

The new plugin will allow you to call up the software in your DAW. You can create a song, and it will place the tracks into your program so you can continue on adding tracks if needed. 

64-bit Band in a Box 

The Windows version is available now, with the Mac version coming shortly. 

Get Band in a Box Software

Software starts at $129, with upgrade pricing available. Check out PGMusic for more information. 

If you talk to a tube amp guitarist, you know they never want to give up their tube amp. When you introduce anything that replaces it, they simply wave it off. So why replace it? Why not accentuate it?

What is the BOSS WAZA Tube Amp Expander?

The BOSS WAZA tube expander is a device that goes in-between to give you functionality. From an attenuator, to an expander, and even a way to replace your stage pedal footprint.

This first of it’s kind tube amp control center, along with the Tube Logic design approach gives you rig settings, all switchable via footswitch, and even MIDI I/O able. The 100 watt class AB power amplifier allows you to play without amp, but when plugged into your tube amp, will add the warmth you so enjoy as a guitarist. The expander can also direct to a mixer, or PA for better on-stage sound management.

A built-in effects engine gives you many ways to enhance your sound. Each effect is 32 bit AD/DA, and 96 kHz sampling rate. Compressor, delay, reverb, and four different types of EQ to make your stage sound even more sweet.

The WAZA tube amp expander can be rack mounted so it can be off-stage.

No price, yet, as the expander is expected out later this year. Check with BOSS for more info.

Things were rocking at the Gemini booth this year as the company was showing off some cool new speakers. The Gemini LRX-1204 is a 12″ Subwoofer with a pair of 4x 4″ Satellite Speakers and it includes 2 sets of Speaker Stands, Cables, a microphone and a remote control.

You get the whole setup for $499 and the sound is impressive. DJs are going to love this, but anyone can get in on the action. It doesn’t matter if you are a duo, a trio or whatever. Just get rocking.

What’s appealing about this is that you get everything for one price. It’s everything that you need to just show up at a gig and start playing.

Also on display were the S8 and S6 Pro speakers, which are portable and battery powered. Each has 3 2″ tweeters and are multi-positional, meaning you can stand them straight, tip them back or lay them on their side. They have mixers built in on the back to accommodate those positions. These are really nice for getting different sounds from the same speakers.

If you podcast or a musician, you’ll be interested in the compact mixers on display with bluetooth. These are 5, 8 and 12 channel mixers and feature bluetooth and USB playback. More on Gemini Amazon page.

LG’s Ultra Wide Monitor was on show at this years CES 2019 and you are going to want this bad boy for your desk. It’s actually two 49″ monitors side by side.

This screen gives you plenty of screen real estate for all of your computer needs. It can run up to 3 pictures across the screen or 3 desktops. Or 6 if you are using two computers. It also has dual controllers, so you can use a mouse and keyboard through USB-C to control two computers and share data. That’s pretty handy.

These monitors use LG’s IPS panels for wider viewing angles. The curved screen, with all of your info flying around should give you that futuristic feel that you’ve seen in some SciFi movies. It supports HDR 10 and dual HDMI as well, and can be a dock, connecting your USB-C (with 85W charger), and 4 USB-A 3.0 .

If you shuffle around a lot of info on your screen, no matter what that info is, this Ultra Wide Monitor will seem like a dream come true. There is no info on pricing for these yet, but I think we all know that they won’t be cheap once they are available to the masses.

LG is looking at the first half of 2019 for delivery. So it won’t be long until you can have one.