Geekazine

Bowflex wants to help build your home gym. During CES 2021, they announced a new line of machines that will allow you to work out to your favorite training system – Bowflex, or otherwise.

Bowflex VeloCore Bike

This stationary bike was a 2021 Honoree for Fitness and Sports. The VeloCore indoor stationary bike allows you to replicate the movement of outdoor cycling with their side-to-side movement addition. This allows you to turn into a curve, just like if you were out on the road.

Bowflex keeps the bike upright with their patent pending lock out feature. Keep it upright until you are ready for the side-to-side motion.

VeloCore Bike is $1699 (16″ monitor) and $2199 (22″ console)

Complete with 22″ HD Touchscreen

All three of these units has a screen attached, so you can call up your favorite Bowflex trainer. If your favorite trainer is not on Bowflex – that’s OK. The screen is app-ready to take on any trainer on any app.

Or maybe you just want to watch a Netflix movie or other video, game, or whatnot. The screen is available to watch whatever you want.

Max Trainer M9

If you’re looking for an elliptical, the Max Trainer M9 continues on the series, also with 10″ touchscreen. This device features 4 grip handlebars, in-console speakers, steel resistance dial, and oversized texture pedals.

$1999 with $19.99 subscription plan.

JRNY Experiense

This is Bowflex’ personal coaching experience that will analyze your fitness level and create adaptive workouts. You can view the workouts on the screen, or transfer to your phone for your workout history.

Treadmill 22

Looking for a good jog, run, or walk? The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is a 22×60 inch treadmill that will incline 20% and decline -5% to simulate different types of terrain. You can go up to 12 MPH on this device, and with comfort tech deck cushioning, keep from having sore knees in the end of your workout.

Also with JRNY Experience, trainer workouts, virtual coaching, Bowflex radio, and more.

The Treadmill 22 is $1999 and available now.

Find out more at Bowflex.com

Need a special keyboard that can sit on your desktop to make music? Got a drum layout you want to play with? Maybe also need a hotkey manager for your audio or video production. Sensel Morph has all that in this multi-touch controller.

The Sensel Morph

This is a multi-touch device, which can change it’s use with overlay pads. Each overlay pad can do different things – a Piano pad can give you a piano in a music program, whereas the Adobe Premiere pad can give you key commands for easier editing.

And, yes. You can even turn it into a typing keyboard – Do you want Dvorak over QWERTY?

The Morph has 20,000 sensitive 5G range pressure points that can be utilized in up to 32,000 ways.

This unit has several types of overlays, but if you don’t see one you want, you can make your own. The custom overlay allows you to map out your pad the way you want through the software. Snap on that overlay, and you are good to go.

The Morph is $249 and you can get it here.

Sensel Website

Axiom Armor is a way to put a wrap on your phone. Whether screen protector, or full phone wrap, this tool will cut a protector for many different devices. Phones, camera screens, game systems, and much more.

How Axiom Armor Works

The unit is a simple cutting tool – no bigger than a desktop printer – that will precision cut the material to the device’s dimensions. It will cut out screen protectors of all major brands, back skins (and sides). Armour can even cut smaller from dimension if the device will be put into a case.

Three film options; ScreenFilm – a classic screen protector, Liquid Glass – to protect from the elements, and Anti-Microbe ScreenFilm – to protect you from harmful bacteria developing on the surface.

Cutting and Installation Process

Each screen protector takes only a few seconds to cut. The best part – installation process is water-less: no spraying the glass down (like with other methods).

Simply clean the surface, place the cut film on the top, and bend back at the separator line (usually in the middle of the film, and with squeegee firmly placed down). The first layer will not only easily peel off as the squeegee moves forward, but it also acts to get any additional debris off the screen before the film is applied.

When the first half is put down, you can reverse the squeegee, and repeat the process for the second half. When both are down, a final overhead film is removed, and your phone now has a protective layer on it.

Choosing your device

Axiom Armor can be programmed via phone app to cut the screen you need. The database contains screen dimensions of many devices that has a screen. Phones, gaming consoles, LCD screens for items like DSLR cameras, touch remotes, and many more.

The database also is ever-growing, and you can submit new patterns. I even found a screen pattern for the Nokia phone I used back in 1999.

Who is Axiom Armor For?

This system is for a store vendor that wants to add a new feature for customers, or a company that wants to brand and skin employee devices.

The cutting system starts at $499.99, with protectors at only a couple dollars a screen.

Check out Axiom Armor for more information

One problem with using any dock is what the dock can offer. You might not need USB-A plugs on your dock, nor HDMI plugs. That is why Kingston made a modular dock for people who have different needs on different shoots. They can keep their bags small, while getting the content.

Kingston Workflow Station

This is a 4-bay hub that allows for individual mini-hubs to connect. Each mini-hub will have their own configuration. With the workstation, you get a USB-A and USB-C mini hub. You can purchase additional hubs, such as the dual SD-card, dual mini SD-card, and dual USB hub.

The dock is USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 compatible, giving you speeds up to 10 Gbps. There is no special software, and can connect to Mac, PC, or Linux computers.

Using the Mini Hubs

Each mini hub is also 3.2 Gen 2 compatible, and will come with a cable to use independently. This way, you can take the hub you need, and when done, return to the dock.

One great feature of the dual SD-card hubs is transfer of card-to-card data. It allows you to keep important media on the card. For example, I have the Yolobox livestream box that can load video data via SD-card. Not only can I transfer from camera, I could easily re-encode Pro-Res media to a smaller MP4 file.

Using the Hub

With this idea, you could move files from one card to another, or to a portable drive. You can even set up multi-copy to multiple cards if needed.

Workflow Station Price

The Workflow Station is available for $130, and comes with the USB-A/USB-C dongle. Additional dongles are available for $30.

Get the Workflow Station Here

Shure has been working on some new audio devices for not only music listening, but also for daily conference calls. Refreshing the headphone line, and giving you a couple microphones so you sound better on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. At CES 2021, I talk with Sean about the Aonic 50 update, and John on the MV5c an MV7 microphones.

Shure MV5c

If you’re looking for a good desktop microphone for Zoom, Teams, or other calls, or just to record better audio, the new Shure MV5c is available. This USB microphone sits on desktop (or you can mount to a stand), and has a look of a 50’s style microphone. With the right set, this microphone could blend right into the atmosphere.

The MV5c is built with ease of use. Inside the microphone is technology to reduce the noise of a office. When you are talking with people on Zoom, Teams, Skype, or another service, your voice will be heard more clearly and legibly.

There is a headphone jack, and option buttons available to mute, and change volume. Only problem is those buttons are behind the microphone, so it might be better to mute from the software.

The MV5C is only $99, and available now. Get the Shure MV5C here

Shure MV7

We took a quick look at the microphone Sean was talking through. The MV7 was also released a couple months ago for podcasts, streaming, conference calls, and more. It looks a lot like the staple SM7B micropohone, but with new features.

It’s a hybrid microphone – it can be used as an XLR or USB microphone. You can even use both to send audio to two different sources.

The MV7 comes in black or silver, and has a Unidirectional polar pattern so you don’t get too much room noise in your show or call.

This microphone is also something you can prominently show on screen. With a built-in windscreen, you won’t need any pop filters blocking your face or view.

The USB mic side has touch controls for volume, and headphones (there is a built-in headphone jack). You can easily mute (USB only) when you need to. XLR will act just like any other XLR microphone, with the mixer controlling the sound.

The MV7 is $249 and available now.

Shure Aonic50

The Aonic 50 in White

Shure added a new White Heaphone to the Aonic 50 line. This is a premium headphone with listening comfort and durability. The Aonic 50 is also a noise cancelling headphone, with a 50mm driver inside for optimal audio experience.

The Aonic runs wired, or wireless, and can give you up to 20 hours of listening time in the wireless mode. The Bluetooth 5 connection allows you to go up to 30 feet from the source, so you don’t have to be tethered to the computer.

These headphones look great, and for some, the white model will complete the look. Only downside is the cables are all black, in which I would personally try to find a replacement to keep the look.

The Aonic 50 headphones are available now for $349

Targus introduced 4 new items at CES 2021, and has gotten into the anti-microbial area with a way to disinfect a workstation. They also have announced a new backpack that you can take everything home with, and a dock for the tablet and phone.

UV-C LED Disinfection Light

The Targus UV-C Disinfection Light is a automatic cleaning device. It detects when the user has been away for 5 minutes, and goes to work. With a simple blast of UV-C rays for a few minutes, this device will disinfect a keyboard, mouse, and anything in the surrounding area.

If the user comes back to work, the light will detect the motion, and stop the cycle until it sees no activity once again.

The unit helps keep a consistant no-touch disinfection to all devices in the area. Perfect for a general-purpose workstation, or just to keep the germs away.

15-17.3” 2Office Antimicrobial Backpack

This backpack can carry the kitchen sink. Well, maybe not the sink, but it’s big enough to put a laptop, keyboard, and any other device you might need to take home.

The bag is for those who will have extended home stays. You will be able to put all your office essentials in so you can work from home. Full sized keyboard, laptop, mouse, and other devices.

Since this is an Antimicrobial backpack, the coating will help keep your peripherals free of germs until you pull it back out to use.

Tablet Cradle Workstation for Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3

If you have a Samsung Tab Active3 tablet, you can easily turn this into a desktop. Slip the device into the dock, and the cradle will turn it into a desktop computer.

The dock comes with a security system to lock down the whole unit when you are not at your desk.

Prices and Availability

The backpack will be $119, the UV-C light will be $299, and the workstation is $299 ($109 for a USB-c Phone dock). All items will be available in March timeframe. Check out Targus.com for more information.

SenseGlove is a leader in haptic feedback for VR environments. At CES 2021, they debuted their newest version of VR glove, the SenseGlove Nova. A wearable device that reduced the size from their previous model.

How SenseGlove Works

Their first version (DK1) was an exo-skeletal device. The glove itself was bulky, but has a lot of features, including force-feedback; If you squeeze a ball, the glove reacts like you actually have a ball in your hand.

The SenseGlove Nova tightens up the exo-skeleton, and wraps around the hand more. The end result is something that you can slip on and off a lot easier, while not losing a lot of the features of the DK1.

Who is SenseGlove Nova For?

This is perfect for any business working in a virtual environment. For example, you can have a worker outside a clean room, while a robot picks up something human hands should not be touching. The worker will see the video in real-time (or graphicly), and can feel the objects they are working with.

This also is great for training someone to handle machinery, chemicals, or whatever the project calls for.

The Nova is wireless, connecting to headset or a computer via Bluetooth. The DK1 connected via cables to a box, then computer.

Programming the DK1 and Nova

Both gloves have an open API so you can create your own scenarios and projects in unity or C++. Add some unreal engine, and you could be working in a VR environment soon.

Price

The Nova will MSRP at around $5,000, while the DK1 will cost $4,300. For more information, check out SenseGlove.com

It’s the zero hour, and you’re trying to find gifts to give last minute. In the holiday episode of “Family Ties” (A Keaton Christmas Tale), Alex (Michael J. Fox) only had a convenience store to go to for his zero hour shopping.

Do they even publish TV guides anymore?

Nowadays, we have a lot of ways to get last minute gifts. And it doesn’t have to be Slim Jims or magazines (unless that’s what they want).

As we get down to the wire, you might need some cool gifts to give. Be the uncle or aunt that gives awesome gifts to the kids, or something like that.

Here are 10 cool items you should look at to be that cool Dad, Gamma, friend, or even foe that gives great gifts. Most of these items will be tech-related, and under $100.

Note: All these links are affiliate links. If there is a choice between vendors, I will provide that in the link.

The List (and Timestamps)

* 1:30 TikiTunes: https://geni.us/Wn1ZW * 4:20 Wyze PTZ Camera: https://geni.us/IHUF7u * 8:39 LEGO: https://geni.us/QA4jOW * 11:24 SanDisk iXpand: https://geni.us/gO6wd * 14:36 Netgear Wi-Fi Range Extender: https://geni.us/jRm0 * 17:12

At the November event, Apple announced a new addition to their Homepod line in the Homepod mini. This is a smaller assistant speaker that can be placed in multiple rooms to play music, get information, or set up as an intercom system. I take a look at the Space Grey unit, unbox, and setup with my new iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Get the HomePod Mini

Apple HomePod Mini

This is a smaller personal assistant, measuring only 3.3 inches high, by 3.9 inches wide. Inside is the built-in speakers that can project in 360 degrees around the room.

Along with 4 internal microphones, the HomePod Mini works with Siri to answer questions, send announcements and texts, answer calls, and more. It can also stream from your phone, or the multitude of services (e.g. Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn).

Why 802.11N WiFi?

With Bluetooth 5, and the U1 Ultra-Wideband connection, what is odd about the unit is the WiFi is only 802.11n (instead of .ac). The Ultra Wideband is a technology that only iPhones have at this time, so you might want to have these HomePods close to your router.

S5 Chip Inside

The Apple S5 chip is the same used in the Apple watch. This is a dual-core processor that also houses Wifi, Bluetooth, and a Magetometer.

Setting up the HomePod Mini

Setup was fairly easy. With a phone nearby, it can be identified, similar to the AirPods Pro. Once connection is established, information (like Wifi connections) are passed to the device for ease of use when your phone is not around.

Watch for those Updates

During the setup, an update to the device was needed, but didn’t inform me it was downloading and updating. Once I realized what was happening, I let the process run. The 243 MB file took a long time to download, and when installed, I was back up and running.

The HomePod Interface

While this is meant to be in multiple rooms, I am a little concerned on the light it emits. I wasn’t able to adjust it. I only hope it dims during evening hours – otherwise, I am not sure how you can have this in your bedroom.

The button system is fairly simple, but I found button presses to not work when Siri is active. Not that you would mess up the top of the HomePod with your fingerprints, anyway.

Overall Thoughts

The device was easy to setup and use. It comes with a 20W wall plug that is just like all the other Apple wall plugs – bulky and a plug hog.

Nonetheless, the device setup quick and easy. After the update, the device stayed connected to my network, and I was able to communicate without issue.

Price and Availability

The HomePod Mini is $99, but works better in pairs. You can get in white, or Space Grey. Get the HomePod Mini (affiliate link)

Amazon is getting into the wearable market. Before you think it’s Alexa on your wrist, this is a very focused wearable that’s only job is to keep tabs on your health. This includes new ideas like the tone of your voice.

At this point, the Amazon Halo is in Early Access mode. You can apply for the band here.

Amazon Halo Specs

The band is a device on a band of your choosing (Black, Blush, or Silver). The unit has no facing LED’s (because it’s not a watch). There is only one button on the side.

The Halo does have a heart rate monitor that checks your rate frequently. There are 2 microphones on the unit for checking tone. Finally, an indicator light when it needs to charge or is charging.

The device has a 219 mA battery inside, and charges on 5V through the charger. The band has a battery life of up to 7 days, depending on how you use it.

The unit is water resistant up to 50M, so it’s safe to swim with.

Connection to iPhone through Bluetooth 5.0

What the Halo Does

Heart Rate

The unit will check your heart rate several times a day. It can help track your activity, so you can do more to keep healthy during the day.

Sleep Pattern Analysis

Wear the Halo all night, and it will plot out your sleep behavior. Learn when you enter REM sleep, and ways to help you sleep deeper, longer.

Check Your Tone

This is the most interesting function of the device. It will monitor what you say, then analyze how you may sound to others. Are you happy, timid, or simply angry all the time? This will help you understand what you say and how you say it has repercussions.

Price

Right now, the early access is by approval. If accepted, there is an introductory price of $65. I believe it will increase to $99 when it is released.

The price does include 6 months of membership. After that, it will auto-renew at $3.99/month.

You can apply for the band here.

In the Video: Unbox and Setup

In the video, I unbox the Halo, and set it up for the first time. I pair with the app, and show the programs that will help you lose weight, sleep better, and sound more happy and confident.

And yes, I did not show the body mapping feature.

At least, not yet…