Geekazine

When you are micing up a orchestra, musical, or simply a public speaker, vocal dynamics can cause distortion because the mic is not in a direct placement to the mouth, and the sound engineer has to control volume. DPA core technology solves this with a new idea for their miniature microphones. I talked with them at NAMM 2018 to find out more.

What is DPA Core Technology

This is a system that expands dynamic range up to 14 db. The inside of the microphone will boost the dynamics so you can hear a whisper, but also takes into account that sound could change to a scream at any time.

When you boost a signal, you have to account for distortion if someone raises their voice. The Core technology is ready to take any signal, and keep it from clipping, so all you hear is a clean, crisp tone.

This in a microphone smaller than a pen.

DPA Core technology is available now in their d:fine line of microphones. Get DPA Core Here.

Most iOS or Android app guitar pedals have to run on the mobile device. Kryo stomp pedals changed that idea as the pedal gets programmed, then you can turn off and put away that phone or tablet. The pedal takes the information to turn it into a distortion, reverb, phase, delay, gate, or other types of custom created stomp pedals.

About Kryo

The name itself was a late night think-tank decision. They made a play on the idea of making your guitar “cry”. The pedal is designed to go into your pedalboard without an issue. You connect via Bluetooth, and with the app, you bring the programmed tones into the pedal. You can even create a pedalboard with many Kryo devices, and change the tones as your playing.

The pedal is a black aluminum die cast enclosure. Kryo is a 3PDT – True bypass switch, with RGB Led light, and Mono Input & Output. The pedal sends your guitar tones in 24 bit audio @ 48kHz. Most important, you have a digital pedal that looks like the analog pedals you’ve been using for years.

Kryo is in pre-order status right now and starts at $149. You can get the Kryo Stomp Pedal here.

Whether you need a recorder for your classes, personal notes for a song or presentation, getting audio for your podcast, recording your show, or other, the Roland R-07 is coming to help you with these jobs. This Personal Audio Recorder is ready for recording. It gets away from the Smartphone recording, but still uses the phone or watch to help you record.

About the Roland R-07

The R-07 records in 16 or 24 bit MP3, and a sampling rate of 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz at bit rates from 64 kbps to 320 kbps. Use the stereo microphone included, or plug in an external microphone through the mic/aux in for a more focused record.

The R-07 also has Bluetooth capabilities for headphones, and connecting with a iPhone and watch to start recording, add marks for key audio points, and stream audio to the phone.

This recorder will be available later this year, starting at $229.00. Keep up on the Roland R-07 Here.

Bose has come out with a lightweight speaker that you can use in many ways. The Bose S1 is perfect for the solo artist, and then the speaker can be used as a wedge for your band.

About the Bose S1

The S1 is a three channel mixer, with two channels for microphone and instrument. It also has a 3-band EQ, and ability to chain via the Line Out option. Built-in Bluetooth also allows for playing music from your mobile device.

With 4 transducers, and 3- 2 1/4″ drivers mounted inside, your music will be heard. Bose has also put in an accelerometer, so the speaker will correct it’s EQ when turned, placed on the floor, or even on a pole – a micro switch will detect.

This speaker amplifies 103 db continuous, 109 db peak.

The unit also has a rechargeable battery add-on so you can go wire-free.

The S1 is $599.99 with the battery at 99.95. The Bose S1 is available now

The new Cue robots from Wonder Workshop are designed to teach kids as young as kindergarten to code, but aside from the learning aspect, they are also quite entertaining. Connect these little robots to your smartphone or tablet, then use the free app to interact with the robot. You can choose from 4 avatars to customize these bots. Each avatar has a unique personality. They boast new Emotive AI systems, more memory, improved sensors, upgraded processors, and advanced Bluetooth capabilities making them very clever.

Features of Cue

Some of their other features include: 3 Proximity Sensors, Real-time Bluetooth, IR Robot Interaction, 3 Processors & Sensor Fusion, Dual Motors and Potentiometers, 3 Microphones and a Speaker, Programmable LED & Buttons and 2 Powered Wheels and Encoders. Kids can learn about coding and javascript by interacting with these bots. Chat with it, text it, create reactive sensor behaviors, or code creative interactions using block or JavaScript programming.

For instance, remote controlling the bot will help you to learn about the sensors. As the video points out, the sensors can either seek and follow or avoid objects. So you can make the robot follow you or anything else within, say, 10 centimeters. Or make it stay away from people and objects. Through the Action Kit app section, you can program things the like distance it should follow behind, or the distance it should stay away. So kids can get into some complex programming using these sensors.

It looks like we can expect even bigger and better things from Wonder Works in the future.

Check out Wonder Workshop Cue

Kodak is getting into the VR space in a big way their new Kodak Orbit 360 VR 4K Camera. This camera takes Kodak’s existing technology for making VR images and the camera itself puts it all together for you. You won’t have to get on the computer and do it yourself if you don’t want to. It is capable of doing it automatically right out of the box. This makes it even easier to share these images across social media. And you know you want to share all of those cool images with your friends.

About Kodak PixPro Orbit

The camera has two modes. You can get a square image and have it do all of the internal stitching, or you can get a circular image and use external software to stitch it up yourself. So no matter which way you prefer, you can choose between the two. The highest resolution is 4k at about 15 fps if you choose internal stitching, otherwise external stitching will give you 24-30 fps.

The Kodak Orbit 360 VR Camera is also dustproof, freezeproof, splashproof and shockproof. Other features include: Dual 20MP CMOS sensors, and support for a Micro SD Card up to 256GB. This should be a big hit with anyone who liked this camera’s predecessor.

Other Prototype PixPro VR cameras

Kodak Pixpro is also working on a couple concept cameras that can deliver more for your video or livestream needs. A 3-camera 360 VR for the prosumer, and a 3D VR 360 camera, which will fold out for the 180 3D image. These are still in development.

Get your Kodak PixPro 360 and check out the Kodak Website

I’m a big fan of Arlo cameras. Last year, it gave police a good view of the 2 people that broke into my house. A single camera can add a feeling of comfort. 2 or 3 in key places can really add to your families’ safety. That is where Arlo comes in.

About the Netgear Arlo Pro 2

The Netgear Arlo Pro 2 is all about keeping your home safe. It will let you see everything that goes on at your home in 1080p HD. If you ever do encounter an intruder when using the Arlo 2, you are going to have no trouble identifying them. This home surveillance device is all about flexibility and can go wire-free thanks a rechargeable battery, or you can stay plugged in. It fits whatever your needs are and as your needs shift, the design adapts.

When plugged in to an indoor power outlet, you can access the security camera’s advanced features, like Activity Zones and optional 24/7 Continuous Video Recording. When using it outside, the IP65-certified Arlo Pro 2 is weather-resistant no matter where you put it. Rain or shine, it stands guard.

Some other features include motion and sound detection, 2 way audio, night vision, free cloud storage, local backup storage, security siren, and a 130 degree viewing angle. The Arlo Pro 2 will also work with your other smart devices like Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, SmartThings and Stringify.

The Arlo Pro 2 ticks all of the right boxes for what you want in a security system, the three main features being the ability to go wireless, 1080p HD streaming, and it is weatherproof. Good luck finding these and all of the other features in other security cameras.

Arlo HD Smart Baby Monitors and Cameras

Keep in mind, they may look cute, but these cameras pack all the same quality as the others. 1080p quality, ability for 2-way audio (like the Arlo-Q), Advanced Night Vision, smart alerts, and more. This camera also adds temperature and air quality sensors, a night light, and a music player to help your child get to sleep.

When your child grows, you can continue to keep them safe. You can also move the camera to another part of the house when they are ready for more privacy. The bunny, kitten, and dog look, are simply skins that can be changed or removed.

Find out more about Arlo from Netgear

Startup Omnicharge was at CES to show off the Omni 20 USB-C. This portable power USB-C bank can output up to 100 watts of power for charging all of your larger devices. This version keeps all of the good hardware from the original Omnicharge and adds the USB-C ports. It has four ports, two USB-C and two USB-A, and a powerful 20,100 mAh battery cell that you will find handy for for charging up laptops, smartphones, drones, digital cameras and basically anything else you carry with you.

About Omnicharge with USB-C Power Bank

This new device is geared toward the future and perfect for devices like the new MacBook Pro for instance. Everyone is switching to USB-C, so with Omnicharge, you are good to go and ready for these new gadgets. The Omni 20 USB-C doesn’t have the wattage limitation of its predecessor. It can output up to 100W from its two USB-C ports, one at 60W and the other at 40W. USB-A charging tops off at 30W, or 15W each for the pair. It will power almost any USB-C laptop.

OmniCharge Power Bank

The company is even working on a cloud sharing service for power banks, where you would use an app to unlock an Omnicharge at certain locations. You would unlock it, use it for the day and return it to the location. This is great for coffee shops and airports, or anywhere that you need to keep your devices charged. They see a huge demand for this in Universities as large classrooms offer little-to-no power options.

Find out more about Omnicharge here or through their Omnicharge Website

Do you live alone in a place that doesn’t allow pets? Maybe you grew up with a cat or dog that cuddled up on your lap, wagged it’s tail, and fell asleep – and you miss that interaction. Well fear not, because Qoobo will help you with that.

What is Qoobo

Qoobo is an animatronic pillow that wags it’s tail when you give it attention. Whether from stroking or patting, Qoobo will react to your movement with it’s own.

As Martine Paris talked with Shunsuke Aoki about this pet, we learned it was from Yukai Engineering – the same team that gave people “cat ears” that reacted to brain waves. This is a part in a long line of robotic dolls, hangers that interact, and other unique devices.

How to Get Qoobo

This is currently a project that you can pre-order now. Two colors, husky gray, and french brown, Qoobo is $90 USD.

Kenmore wants to connect the appliances in our homes and to that end, they have unveiled some new smart appliances. The Kenmore smart washer and dryer will be available in February of this year. A smart app will allow you to remotely monitor your washer and dryer. This allows you to put your laundry in and run the actual load anytime you want.

Kenmore Smart Washer/Dryer

If you do a load of wash when you leave for work in the morning, you are going to come home to your clothes having a mildew smell, but with this system, you can run your load just before you get home from work and then put it in the dryer at that time with no hassle at all. You can even download customized cycles so you can do your laundry the way you like. Most washers don’t have a setting for kids clothes, but you can download one. These will cost $9.99 and you can get them from Sears and Amazon. The dryer has a steam setting that doesn’t require you to add water, which will be great for getting those wrinkles out.

Kenmore Smart Dishwasher

The company’s new dishwasher has a 360 degree power-wash arm that gets your dishes clean and runs only as long as it needs to. That will be a nice energy saver. It also has a tray up top just for utensils.

Through their nationwide partnership with Amazon, they will provide a white glove service that includes home delivery, installation, and these appliances will be maintained by Sears. You can find out more through Amazon, or Kenmore.com