Geekazine

Checking out Google VR area at NAB, and learning more on the Google Daydream VR system. Two new VR 180 cameras from Lenovo and Yi to make video and photo capture easier. I take a look at both.

What is VR 180?

Otherwise known as Stereoscopic Video, or even 3D, These half-spherical cameras are spaced such like your eyes to take in information. The video is then matched together so it can be seen on a 3D device, such as the Daydream VR glasses.

Half-spherical gives you 180 degrees of view – allowing you to turn your head and see more of the event. Panels can be covered where you can choose what to look at and see it just like if you were there.

Lenovo Mirage

The Lenovo Mirage camera is expected by May. The camera is 4K VR180, with 16 GB of internal Memory (SD card slot to expand to 128 GB). The device can be controlled via phone for photos, video, and even live streams.

Mirage will be $299 and the Daydream headset will be an additional $399. Pre-Order Mirage here.

Yi Horizon

The Yi Horizon is also a 4K VR 180 camera that also can take video, photos, and live streams. The added feature is the flip screen for Vloggers to do VR 180. The device will be available later this year.

At NAB 2018, I got to go live with the folks at Epiphan to learn more about their line of streaming products. We use the Webcaster x2 at vBrownBag, and we also streamed live using the X2.

Epiphan Avio Capture Cards

HDMI, SDI, and DVI Avio USB capture devices are available for single stream capture – up to 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps. Other resolutions in 4:3 TV, 16:9 Widescreen, 16:10 and 5:4 monitor.

Pearl and Pearl Mini

These are smaller switchers for 2 HD source video. You can connect any type of camera to stream, and even configure it for overlays, text, and more.

Webcaster x2

A simple way to connect your HDMI source to YouTube, Facebook Live, and Vimeo (just announced). Program the box to your settings, link up your accounts, then simply hit a button to start streaming. You can even use a USB webcam for picture in picture video.

Get Epiphan Products here, or check out the Epipahn Video website. Don’t forget to watch the Live video event!

The ZBook is more powerful than ever for anyone needing to run higher-end graphics programs. A whole line of new convertibles with Wacom Pen, and a new detachable keyboard tablet give you versatility in your creations.

The new line of ZBook include convertible and detachable PCs. With 8th gen Intel 6 cores, AMD Radeon graphics, and Dreamcolor 4K display with 600 NITS RGB. A Wacom AES pen is available for artists and other creators. Higher end ZBook models come with a removable back side to upgrade memory, change the battery, and more.

The ZBook x2 detachable comes with the same features, Quad core processor, along with the same features as the other ZBook notebooks, the detachable keyboard turns on the Bluetooth so you can continue to use the keyboard. Macro buttons on the side allow for quick switches when the keyboard is not available.

HP also won best of show at NAB for their DreamColor Monitor. The ZDreamColor 27x gives 1 billion colors in RGB, and an exact color correction for all content creators.

Prices of the ZBook start at $949. The x360 starts at $1,499, the detachable is not priced yet, and the DreamColor 27x is $1999.

Get ZBook x360 here. Also check out the HP website.

Last month I installed a Tronical Tuner on my guitar. If you’ve seen them on Gibson guitars, it’s labeled “Min-E Tune”. It takes about an hour to do, and fairly straightforward. So let’s get into it.

What is Tronical Tuner

This is a device that will self-tune the guitar. Similar to those clip-on tuners, the device will take it one step further and tell each tuning peg whether to fix a flat or sharp string.

To do this, it needs to replace the tuning pegs on the guitar. The new pegs have a small motor inside that will turn when you run the tuner. Simply press a button, then strum the guitar. The device will get you ready within seconds.

Installing the Tronical Tuner

You can get this done when it’s time to change your strings. You’ll need a wrench and screwdriver to take off the old pegs. Tronical Tuner supplies a wrench for the new pegs. The other end of the wrench allows you to tighten the tuning peg caps – a slightly different approach than what you might be used to, but it will make sure the strings won’t fall out as you are replacing the string.

The tuner contains 6 pegs and the tuning plate. Depending on the type of guitar, the pegs will have to line up with the connectors so the device can tell the peg to tighten or loosen.

Different Types of Tuning Options

For those who tune in Eb, Drop D, or another tuning system, Tronical Tuner can do that. Pressing a key combination on the back panel will allow you to change the tuning on your guitar.

PowerTune

Some guitars also have an option for PowerTune, a newer tuner that connects to your iOS device and let’s you choose the tuning you need. The interface is a screen that will tell you the note it’s tuning to, and if it’s flat, sharp, or in tune.

Many different Guitar Models available for acoustic, electric, or smaller acoustic guitars. Prices will depend on the guitar model. Get Tronical Tuner here, or check the website to see if your guitar tuner is available.

At CES, I got to talk with Netgear about the popular Orbi satellite system. Since then, Netgear has sent an Orbi AC3000 for review, which I’ve been checking out for the last few weeks. I have been using similar “Bridge” networking options by Netgear so my Wifi signal covers my whole house.

What is Orbi AC3000 Satellite System?

This is also called “Mesh Networking”, the initial RBS50 device is the router, with 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port for external storage. The router itself has 6 antennas, and an Internet speed of over 150 Mbps (if available by your service provider).

Add the Satellite Router (RBRS50)

While the router can give you 2,500 square feet of coverage, adding a single repeater can double that coverage. The satellite also has 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and 1 USB 2.0 port. Adding more satellites can strengthen the 5,000 square feet range.

Orbi Uses Beamforming

This is a technology where the router finds the satellite, then sets up a focused beam to the device, instead of sending a wide signal. The router can attach to 3 satellites, giving you coverage of your whole house, business, or whatever you need.

Cons of Orbi AC3000

The AC3000 router and single satellite costs $319.99. While this is pretty expensive, keep in mind this is a higher end wireless router that can handle multiple connections.

The bigger issue is the plug design. The Apple “Wall Wart” design makes it difficult in placement of the device. I would like to have seen the transformer unit shaped different, and possibly not attached to the Pronged plug itself.

Overall Orbi AC3000

This is a great router to upgrade to. Internally, it can transfer data to your connected and wireless devices easy and fast. It has a lot of great features for small business owners that want to give Internet to their customers. You can even set up Amazon Alexa to administer features through voice commands (e.g. “Tell Orbi to turn on guest access”).

Get the Orbi AC3000 RBK50 Here. Also check out the Netgear Orbi website.

In the Video

I show you the wireless signals you may be dealing with, what you get in the Orbi AC3000, and more.

Modmic is an accessory for your favorite headphones that don’t have a microphone attached. While at SXSW, I talked with Antlion – the company behind the ModMic 4 and ModMic 5.

What is ModMic?

This is a microphone that can be affixed to many headphone combos to turn into a headset. Using a neodymium magnet and an adhesive attachment for the headphones, you simply let the two click together.

ModMic 5 is switchable between a uni-directional microphone, and a Omni-directional. With a single flip of the switch, you can go from high-quality voice recordings, to noise-cancelling goodness if the surrounding environment is a bit noisy.

The microphone is modular, with an extension cord, and a mute switch adapter. With the additional adapter, you can plug your ModMic 5 and headphones into your smartphone to take a call. A USB converter is also available for PC and Mac use.

ModMic is available now for $69 on Amazon. You can also check out Antlion for other versions of ModMic.

When you think of AR/VR, you might first think of video. Bose AR wants to change that with a new idea of Audo AR. The Bose AR system is a prototype that we got to see this year at SXSW. The idea is to give you a full experience without blocking your ears from important sounds.

How Bose AR Works

We got to experience two forms of it – in a pair of sunglasses, and with in-ear headset. The device would get information on something you are looking at – whether a product, or landmark – and bring back important information. If you get to work, it can change playlists for you, and even turn on noise cancelling features (for headset units).

You can go on Virtual tours, where the device will direct you by using Binaural audio. If you need to turn left, the audio will tell you so in your left ear.

Learn More About Bose AR

Bose is looking for Developer partners at this time. If you would like to find out more, check out the Bose AR Website.

Sound Devices is a good ole Wisconsin company that works in sound. These are high-end audio devices that are used in pro recording of music, video projects, and more. If you know what a Dead Cat is, you probably have heard about Sound Devices. But they decided to travel to SXSW and show everyone else what their new MixPre multi-track recorders do.

What is MixPre-3 6 and 10?

Small, lightweight, and can record up to 10 audio tracks. That is the MixPre-10T in a nutshell. Weighing in at under 2 lbs, the 10T can be placed under a DSLR camera, or attached to a mixing board to record interviews, panels, live concerts, and more.

Sound Devices will be bringing out the 10M if you need to sync time code with video.

Each MixPre comes with Kashmir microphone preamps inside. This gives you a -130dbV noise floor, 32-bit A-to-D converters, and powerful USB-C recording. Battery packs available if you need to run off portable power.

Add the Wingman app to your iOS device to control your MixPre, 688, 664, or 633 devices. This will give you a better metering and timecode display.

I record a Song

To show how straightforward it is to make a song on the go, I create one on the fly. Using an original song I wrote, I perform the chorus with drums, guitar, vocals, and harmonies.

MixPre starts at $857. Get the MixPre-3 Here, or check out the Sound Devices Website for the release of the 10M.

Once again, Sony Wow pop-up shop at SXSW gave us a look into the future of entertainment, functionality, and AI with some inventive products. I also got a chance to spend some time with Aibo – the robot dog – to see how it interacts.

Sony Xperia Hello Robot

Coming into the WoW Experience, I saw a fun little group of robots dancing to song. This is the Xperia Hello. It’s a smart speaker that can respond to your voice, gesture, and facial expressions. It’s more than just a speaker, as it can take photos or video, play photos or video, check weather and traffic, news, and many other functions through the add-on apps. The Hello is a little pricey at $1,300, and isn’t out in the U.S. right now.

Virtual Air Hockey

I am pretty good at air hockey. This table gave me a run for my money. The 3-player VR air hockey table had multiple virtual pucks flying around, along with an actual air hockey puck. While you might not be seeing this product in arcades any time soon, you can see where we can go in virtual game play. The sensors can track objects at 1,000 frames a second. With a little tweaking of the pucks, you can eventually make the player paddles vibrate like a puck has struck the edge.

The Digital Graffiti Wall

I never thought I would be writing a virtual message on a piece of plywood. Yet, with the sensor technology advances, Sony has made it very possible. One station I can draw or write my message. The virtual message gets sent to the overall Xperia projector, which then allows your work to be added to the wall.

I could see going to an event, signing the wall, and be able to get a picture of the final project the next day. Heck, to even see my creation on the wall within minutes of me drawing was pretty nice.

Lots more on Video including Aibo – the Robot Dog

I go through the whole experience and show you some items I reported about a couple years ago, and how they’ve grown. I also take some time with Aibo – the Robot dog – to see if it’s like a real dog. This is all part of the Future Labs program at Sony. 

Cabot is making a MIDI device you can attach to your Cajon drum. The result – a robotic drummer for your solo gigs. A device that is fun to watch, along with fun to play with. I know – I played along with it at SXSW.

How Cabot Works

The Robot drummer is controlled via app on your iOS device or via PC using your favorite MIDI software. You can create the rhythms through the app, then send to the device to play. A pedalboard is available to start, stop, and transition the drummer for your need.

Cabot is Crowdfunding Soon

The prototypes are now set, Cabot will be launching their crowdfund very soon. To get on the list, simply Go to Cajon-Robot.com and choose “News” and “Subscribe”.