Geekazine

This year, Qualcomm’s press conference focused on one thing – 5G. Not only the 802.11ax Network, but also the new 802.11p with CV2X. During the event, we got a demonstration on how this new initiative can make better drivers, and save lives.

What is C-V2X

This stands for “Cellular Vehicle 2 Everything”. The idea is simple: A vehicle uses multiple sensor information to determine if another car, or person will cross your path, and help you handle with that situation.

So if you cross the street, the oncoming car will detect, and react.

Using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform with X50 5G Modem

Patrick Little, SVP and GM, Automotive of Qualcomm Technologies took the stage to talk more on smart transportation. Working with leading automakers, Qualcomm is bringing their technologies into vehicles so there is one standard across the board and the technology can do the job it’s created to do: communicate intent.

Think about it: If your car knows where it’s going, and it communicates with the car next to you, it can anticipate the other car moving over a lane to turn left on first street. No more second guessing, no more road rage.

Nakul Duggal brought the harsh reality to the stage: $1.35 Million people die each year on the roads, world-wide. Transportation costs $305 Billion in the U.S. alone. 28% of all carbon emissions are from transportation.

C-V2X helps us save more than just lives.

Don Butler, Executive Director of Ford Connected Vehicle Platform and Products, elaborates more on what C-V2X can do.

Any person or vehicle holding a smart device can be detected and monitored as the car is passing by it. People crossing the street can help warn the driver. Corners with blind-spots can cross intersections knowing another car is not barreling down the road. Cars can even have “situational awareness”, which can help determine a course of action if a problem arises.

Automotive Assistance: When Alexa is Involved.

You may laugh now, but voice assistance to do simple tasks can keep your hands on the wheel even more. While Qualcomm is not partial to any brand of voice recognition, they did add Amazon Alexa to the demonstration. From maps, to entertainment while driving, even becoming aware of potential issues.

Demonstration C-V2X Car

Yes, during the demonstration, there was an outburst from Alexa. But during the press conference, Qualcomm demonstrated how you can start the car using voice and biometrics, organize the LCD displays for driver and passenger, and even get alerts if a pedestrian or other car is approaching.

In all, C-V2X is a powerful way to keep you driving safe and sound. It can determine where other people and vehicles are going, so it can make more accurate predictions. It can also be a better assistant from managing your playlist, to taking calls, or even helping you with your daily routines.

Update: Volo Go Kickstarter started today. 45% off those that back the Volo. 

Hair dryers can do more damage to your hair. You want to dry out your hair, yet want to keep it healthy as possible. That is where Volo comes in. I talk with Ryan Goldman about Volo – a new hair dryer that will help with drying but not drying out.

What is Volo

A cordless battery with lithium-ion batteries, and quartz infrared light gives the user heat that penetrates the hair. The result is hair that is dries inside-out with enough power as a salon-quality dryer. 

The dryer is also safer for you as it uses infrared heat as opposed to coil wires – which you use to make your toast. 

I have infrared heaters in the house, and can stand in close rage without getting burned. This dryer has the same effect. And most people hold these devices within inches of their face, so having a safer device is key. 

Volo Go will cost $399, but a crowdfund will be available soon where you can get one for a good discount. Go to VoloBeauty to sign up for notification. 

X-Tempo Design pok BLE Foot COntrolled DAW

Creating music or video can be a tough project, especially if you are doing it on your own. Bringing in extra hardware so you can make the task easier helps – especially if you need to be as precise as possible. X-Tempo Design has a product to help with musicians, video producers, or anyone that wants to add their feet into the mix of creating content, in the pok BLE hands free DAW control. 

What is the X-Tempo pok BLE DAW controller? 

POK stands for “Pedal Operated Keyboard”. Set up like a guitar foot board, you have 8 keys in which you can create up to 21 different solutions for creating content. As a video producer, you can use it to switch between cameras. As a musician, you can use it to record, play, loop, and more. 

The X-Tempo pok is Bluetooth LE enabled and battery controlled. The low energy bluetooth allows the device to stay turned on and ready for when you need it. You pair your PC or Mac to the device (I show you how in the video), and use the software to create shortcuts for your program. 

For example, in the video, I use Wirecast for video switching. I have the buttons set to individual scenes. Single press, and you get the video. Double press and you get a split screen. 

X-Tempo Software

The software is easy to use, and isn’t needed for use. Therefore, if you have multiple computers, you can setup the profile, then move it to another computer to use. The commands get written to the unit for mobility. 

You will need the software to setup profiles. When you are done, you must write it to the pok. 

Pros and Cons of X-Tempo pok

Although you can connect to a phone or tablet, the device is meant for PC/Mac. I wasn’t able to use this board on tablet programs, such as my IK Multimedia Amplitube, or Garageband on iOS. 

I can use this on Garageband on my Mac, along with other programs that have hotkey management. Audio programs such as Ableton, Audition, Audacity, Cakewalk, and more. Video programs such as Wirecast, vMix, OBS, etc. 

In studio, this allows you to use your feet to control some of the switches – especially if you need to be hands-free. The pedalboard also is lightweight – so it can be used on stage for whatever you need. 

And while Bluetooth devices are nice, I do wish this had a USB connection, especially since I have to “Forget-pair” one device to pair another. The unit does not have a multi-machine memory to it. 

Price

The X-tempo foot control is $245 at the time of this recording.  You can get the X-Tempo pok here, or visit their website at xtempozone.com. 

When you are live streaming on one device, there are so many things that can go wrong. Add in more software and you’ve got a computer that is maxing out process. Of course, many people are streaming to YouTube or Facebook, and trying to record the video as a backup. That is why I’ve worked hard on separating my programs so the main switcher does just that – switches between scenes.

Titler Live 4 Broadcast

This is a perfect example of a program that will work better when it’s on it’s own machine. NewBlueFX Titler Live is software that can build graphical titles, lower 3rds, social network integration, and more. I first used this setup last month when I presented the $50 Tablet – a review of low cost tablets, and which ones are worth the price.

With Titler Live’s ability to incorporate the spreadsheet into a graphic, I could add several items quickly and easy, then simply flip through the items through the Titler Live Pro software. Best part is I can use this template for another project. I can change field information, pictures, and more.

Social Networking also can be added to my videos. I can search Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for comments and filter out the bad ones, then set up a group of messages that will show up on the screen. In some cases, I can get a second person to join me simply with the task of setting up the spreadsheets, or choosing which tweets will be displayed on the screen.

Titler Live works with Wirecast, vMix, OBS, Blackmagic Design, and NewTek tricaster to display graphics. With NewTek NDI, I can do this over a network, or switch to HDMI capture with Alpha key, watch folder, PNG, or an OBS instance if the overlays come in after the switcher (maybe to another streaming or recording source, for example).

On the Intel NUC

Titler Live 4 Broadcast can run on a Mac or PC, 2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, OpenGL2.1 capable graphics with at least 1 GB VRAM. With the Intel NUC, I have the power to run the software and keep a small form factor which I can keep close by if I need to access. I can add a hotkey device such as the Elgato Stream Deck to switch between my graphics when I don’t remote into the machine.

Using NDI to Put it Together

With the NewTek NDI protocol, I could have this machine in another room controlling graphics. NDI from NewTek has changed the game for the home live streamer. I run NDI from computer to my live stream machine, my PTZOptics camera overhead (with Power over Ethernet, so only one cable is needed), the iOS app if I need to be more remote, Skype to bring in others for conversation, and the NDI Spark to capture a desktop presentation or a second camera.

Pricing

Packages start at $495. It’s a great addition to your streaming setup – whether a Tricaster, Wirecast, vMix, or even OBS.

More from NewBlueFX

Title Live 4 Broadcast is part of a bigger suite of software from NewBlueFX. Total FX can be used if you need to add these graphics to non-streaming programs like Adobe Premiere Pro. Check  out all the great stuff at NewBlueFX.com

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Welcome to the twelve days of wishmas – a simple guide and wish list you can use to surprise a friend, lift the spirits of a family member, or just get yourself a great gift. At Geekazine, we look at many different tech items. Conner put together most of this list (guess which one was my suggestion). Each section will appear as you scroll. You can watch the video in it’s entirety, or through each section. Let us know what you think about the list below. Check out the 12 Products in this list: *

href="https://amzn.to/2L4IaZH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nintendo Switch*

href="https://amzn.to/2QC7Nqc">Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen*

href="https://amzn.to/2CaLmAp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HyperX Cloud Revolver S Gaming Headset*

href="https://amzn.to/2E4BnOt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PS4 Pro 1TB Console*

href="https://amzn.to/2QMJExj">Roland TD-1DMK Electronic Drum Set*

href="https://amzn.to/2rsGmAI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samsung Q9FN QLED 65" Smart TV*

href="https://amzn.to/2L0Nu0e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MSI GS65 Stealth THIN*

href="https://amzn.to/2E8HDEE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon HD8 Fire Tablet*

href="https://amzn.to/2Pr1ocA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus*

href="https://amzn.to/2E6v9gU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI Mavic Pro 2*

href="https://amzn.to/2L1NHjO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jabra Elite 65t Alexa Enabled True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case*

href="https://amzn.to/2Psq04K">Oculus Rift

I was honored to be asked by Aving News to not only cover, but also judge the startups in South Korea. For the week, I was treated to sights and sounds, then treated to companies with neat ideas and cool products.

Along with other bloggers from around the world, I learned about culture, history, and how a company in Korea grows. Reality is: it’s no different than here in the U.S.

Best part is some of these companies that participated will be coming to the states and showing their products at CES 2019.

MIK 2018 was a day of pitches from new companies, and old. Technical products, to clothing, toys, and everything in-between. We scored each pitch with a possible 20 points – marketability, price, global marketability, and competitiveness. So each company needed to have their A-game on to get me interested in their product.

It got a little harder, as many of these companies did not speak english. I had an interpreter with me for each of the companies that spoke only Korean. I learned a little bit of the language, but not enough to understand.

During the breaks, we were treated to a magic show using drones and QR codes, and a high-end Korean fashion show. The lunch also brought new tastes to my palette, as much of the week in South Korea did.

After listening to 16 different companies pitch, we finally got to award winners. I chose Piva as my winner – a company with a device for phones to make recording public speakers and vloggers easier with your phone. The device is going through a major Kickstarter campaign right now.

An amazing trip, with a great event to boot. Thanks to Aving for hosting!

Company KSRM is getting into IoT for your pet through their food and water bowls. The company is launching Petica through a crowdfund to build the next interactive pet feeder.

How Petica Pet Receptacles

The company is working on a few models of feeders to keep your pet well fed – even if you are away for a while. The receptacles will also pair with your smartphone so you can find out what the dog or cat is doing , or if they need a refill on the dish.

At Smart Connect Business Day 2018 in South Korea, I talked to Mr. No about these pet receptacles. They will be running a crowdfund soon for these devices.

Dataking has already been implementing VR for museums. This company has been working on making enviroments of learning. At Smart Content Business Summit in South Korea, I sit down with Sunstar Park and Wayne Him to talk about what the product does and their plans for 2019.

What is Dataking?

Dataking is a company that focuses on 360 education and commerce. They are already working with museums around South Korea to build experiences for those who cannot go. The Korean National Museum can be seen through a pair of VR goggles using Dataking software.

As you navigate through the app, certain hotspots will open up photos, video, and more, educating you on the topic at hand.

The company is working to bring more education through VR and AR.

For more information, go to Dataking.co.kr

I interviewed KEZ, a startup at Smart Content Business Day 2018 in South Korea. This company is developing a wearable for children, elderly, people needing assistance, and more.

About KEZ

This is not a watch, but a band that will monitor a person if needed. The band is connected via cellular, so a SIM card is needed for monitoring. On the device is a GPS tracker, and 360 degree camera that will record in 15 second bursts 3 times a day, or when needed.

The device is used during the day, then charged in the evening. The guardian can check in via an app. They can be alerted where the person is, what they are doing, and if they do not have the device on.

I talked to Won Min Lee about security and privacy with KEZ. This band does cause a lot of concern about what the guardian can see or do. Having a conversation with the child or person wearing this band might be the best plan.

KEZ will be available on Kickstarter in the coming months.

If you search Amazon, eBay, or another site for a 4k video camera, you might see many off-brand versions for a low price and a lot of keywords in the title like “Ultra HD”, “Wifi”, and more. You have never heard of these brands before, but they are rated on Amazon as a choice buy. So are they worth the effort? That is what I’m going to find out.

Amazon Choice – KicTeck

In this review, I chose from what Amazon deemed as the best solution. But keep in mind – in looking at the other cameras (and actually ordering a couple), I found they are the EXACT SAME model numbered device. The only differences are what you get in the bundle (batteries, microphone, light, etc), what version the Firmware is (this one was 20180815-24) and who you got it from.

The model of camera was the KicTeck HDV-534KM.

The Shotgun Microphone

Along with the camera is a shotgun microphone model M101. Just like with the camera, you can get this mic from other companies. Andoer M101 is a good example. This microphone can retail at about $20 on it’s own.

The mic is a Cardioid X2 with a frequency response of 30Hz – 16 kHz. Low cut 80Hz, and has a +20 db boost, along with -10 db. The microphone runs on a CR2032 battery, and comes with a cord to attach to the camera.

The Macro/Wide Lens

Along with the microphone, and 2 batteries, you get a lens attachment with stepping ring (so it will fit the size and thread of the camera). The lens attachment has two pieces – one for close-up videos and photos, and the wide angle attachment that adds about .39x to your recording area.

The 37MM HD Lens cost about $30.

KicTeck HDV-534KM Pros and Cons

Now onto the main camera itself. Inside is a 13 Megapixel Ultra HD CMOS camera sensor. Sounds impressive, but the device is also found in many phones, action cameras, and other devices. The camera overall has a look and feel like it was made in 2012-2014.

Not True 4k – Picture Quality

The video resolutions are 2560×1440, which is not full 4k, but Quad 4k. It’s scales up to 4k resolutions easily in post production. It also only captures at 24 fps (30 fps in 2k and 60 fps in 1080p). The sensor works best in outdoor or high-light settings. It does has night vision for low-light situations.

Optical vs Digital Zoom

This camera has only Digital zoom of 16x. The zoom works well, but will be more pixelated if you use it.

Watch Your SD Card

The camera takes both the SD and TF cards (mini SD). I have found the camera to be very finicky when it comes to what card it uses. A newer SD card will lock up in the camera, especially if you are recording in 4k. Once I inserted a Class 10 -1 card (90 MB/s rate), it recorded without issue.

WiFi Works Well

These cameras have a simple Wifi option that works with an iOS or Android. I was able to connect the phone and use the app without too much issue. There is a lag, so watch out when starting and stopping video – especially since the camera’s display will not be viewable.

Live Streaming

Using an App that comes with the camera, you can live stream through the USB 2.0 cable (that also doubles as the charging cable). It emits a simple 720p video. The camera isn’t supported in other programs (including Skype, or the Camera app in Windows 10).

I did connect to the mini-HDMI cable through a capture card.