PLUGHITZ Live Presents (Audio)

Chelsea Monty-Bromer, is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of RooSense, LLC. She joined us at CES 2020 to tell us about their health tech solution to help athletes "sweat smarter."

RooSense, LLC - so named because it's a start-up company based on research from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Akron (Go Roos!) - is an integrated fabric sensor that can analyze an athlete's sweat in real time and provide personalized hydration recommendations based on the data. The biggest problem athletes face, said Monty-Bromer, is the challenge of having to guess what their actual hydration needs are and to hydrate accordingly.

Because sports drinks are so popular, it is also possible over-hydrate by diluting the sodium in your body too much. With RooSense, there's no guessing. The fabric sensor analyses the components of an athlete's sweat - specifically sodium ion concentrations - and provides real-time, precise recommendations through the accompanying app to ensure proper hydration, leading to better performance, health and competitive success.

Data from the app can be transmitted to a smart watch or phone, and can be monitored by coaches of teams as well as by individual athletes. Currently the fabric is embroidered into compression sleeves worn on the forearm. But it can also be utilized in a patch, sewn into a t-shirt, deployed in shoe inserts, stitched into a headband or whatever an athlete is comfortable wearing. Right now, it transmits via Bluetooth, but will eventually work with wifi or RF. There are obvious applications of the technology for use in things like Hazmat suits and firefighter gear, in which temperatures can soar, leaving emergency personnel at serious risk of dehydration.

The product is coming to market in 2021, and is currently seeking partners and investors. You can learn more at their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

Over the past few years, fitness data that each person generates has increased significantly. With smartwatches, fitness bands, and the sensors in our phones, we have a ton of information. Add to that blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose meters, body mass indicators scales, and more, some users have a lot of information. But, none of that information is made readily available for your use in one place that you control. That is until Everyone makes Progress (EmP Fitness) came along.

The company's service allows you to connect your divergent health data, from sources like Apple Health, Withings, and Fitbit, and import them into the EmP Fitness platform. Once there, the data is yours to do with as you please. Some of it you might need to share with medical professionals. Some you might want to share with a personal trainer that you see once a week who wants to check on you the rest of the week. Some you might even want to share with your company for corporate wellness programs. But, the shared data is all that can be accessed - nothing more.

In addition, this data exchange allows you to monetize your data. You can share it with your healthcare provider for a cheaper rate on health insurance. Maybe a medical study needs data and is willing to pay for it. All of this is supported by the system and is achieved by using blockchain technology. The data is securely stored on the chain and cannot be altered or viewed without appropriate security keys. That keeps your data safe and secure, while still making it available to those who you deem appropriate. It also means that EmP Fitness doesn't have access to the data, so it is yours and yours alone.

To learn more about Everyone Makes Progress (EmP Fitness), check out their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

At CES 2020, we spoke with Olya Osokina, co-founder of MIRRI, an artificial intelligence product that brings together business and social impact, providing customized solutions for business to enhance CAC, LTV and RR.

MIRRI, explained Osokina, is like a general mirror that can be employed in malls, retail shops, banks, hotels or other locations, where it functions as a concierge service. It greets guests, initiates conversations and interacts with users about the business in which they're interested. It can detect gender, emotion and the degree of interest of the person interacting with it.

It can communicate with people on any topic, recognize faces and emotions, answer questions, show various materials on its display and integrate with third-party devices and systems simultaneously analyzing customer profile, reactions, behavioral patterns and runs A/B testing. As a business analysis tool, it can evaluate reports and make recommendations for improving sales and other business metrics based on user interactions.

The social impact aspect stems from MIRRI research on applied AI for children with autism. They experimented with both a robot and a mirror, utilizing the same AI interface, and discovered that children interacted more comfortably with a mirror than a robot After that they performed similar studies testing robots and mirrors in retail settings and got similar results. Interactions with the AI mirror generated increased sales over the robot, from which people tended to hurry away from. Over 90% of people would interact with the mirror.

With a foot print no larger than that of any mirror on a wall, and no special skills needed to install and deploy, the company says MIRRI will: reduce labor costs, improve quality of service, improve the mood and loyalty of the customers, make the company stand out from its competitors, and positively influence the financial performance of the company.

Other applications may include nursing homes, pharmacy consultations and more. MIRRI starts at $5000 and includes both hardware and software. Visit their website to learn more.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

When it comes to LED light strips, there are a lot of choices. Most of them are very similar in capabilities and even in look. Many of you may be watching this video because of our feature on another model of LED strips. However, some companies look to find ways to make using their strips better. Inovelli has one of the most unique takes on the product yet.

One of the biggest issues with the product category is the waste inherent in the design. You purchase a strip that comes in a 16-foot roll, but you only need 13 feet. So, you cut the last three feet off, install the lights and are left with 3 feet of nothing. To put it to use, you have to solder and purchase additional pieces. But where can you even use three feet of LED strip? That's why Inovelli has decided to design a modular system.

This modular design allows you to purchase strips in 1-foot increments and clip them together in nearly any design. There are standard clips that make a straight line. There are T-connectors, which allow you to branch a line off of the main feed. You can also get a cross allowing you to go off in all four directions. For consumers, this could open up all sorts of new abilities. Think about installing LED Strips around the top of your kitchen cabinets. You can easily take corners without any work.

The real benefit, however, is for professionals. Lighting designers, exhibit booth builders, corporate event managers, and more can easily create new displays without difficulty. And, more importantly, they could even re-use the strips in new designs - all without waste.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

While CES has become a household name over the past few years, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is less known. The CTA is the organization that owns and puts on CES every year, but they are a lot more than that. They work on consumer advocacy projects, help to write and maintain standards, and work to improve the state of the industry.

The most visible aspect of the CTA is CES. The show is the largest and most influential tech show in the world. While the numbers are not officially released, the show floor expanded to its largest-ever footprint and likely attracted the most people in the show's history. And, our favorite part of the show - Eureka Park - had the most number of exhibitors. All of this is in preparation for CES 2021, which should be the inaugural event in the new expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In addition to CES, the CTA is working hard to make the industry better for everyone. The organization continues to work within state capitals and Washington DC to prevent laws being passed to inhibit the innovation that the country is known for. They also in sectors of the industry to encourage improvements for consumers. This ranges from privacy protections to improved product specs.

Of the major outreach programs of the organization, the standards group is the most important. Many companies (we're looking at you Apple and Sony) have been known for avoiding standards at the expense of their customers. In the past, this behavior was far more common. The cables you used for surround sound varied from brand to brand. To use a Sony receiver and TV, you had to have a special cable. Today, that behavior is mostly limited to just Apple, and even they are coming around. That is, in large part, because of the work done by the CTA.

Check out the organization's websites to learn more about CES or the CTA.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

During a cardiac event, the first few minutes are the most critical. The difference between intervention in the first three minutes versus after that line is significant, with only a 7 percent survivability rate if nothing is done until paramedics arrive, but a 74 percent survivability rate if action is taken within the first three minutes. But, AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are not commonplace. And, even if you happen to be in a place with one, we've all been taught not to mess with them because they can be dangerous and difficult to use. So, what is someone to do when a friend or family member is having a cardiac event? You use a HeartHero.

This device is an incredibly small implementation of an AED. The device is no bigger than a traditional first aid kit, but it does so much more. When the need arises, you take out the pack and pull off the paddles. As soon as this is done, the machine goes into action, with voice prompts explaining to you the proper procedure to use the device. It also shows you exactly where the paddles should be placed on the body. Once everything is in place, the device is able to give a shock to attempt to keep the heart going. If everything is not in place, the device cannot te the shock, protecting the user.

In addition, the HeartHero has an active cellular connection. This is used to call 911 in the event of use. The added benefit of an automated 911 call means that if you're alone with the person in trouble, you don't have to try and make a decision on what to do, or split your attention between them and emergency services. You also get to avoid the active tracking of your cell phone after the call.

The HeartHero is currently in the process of being approved for sale. To learn more about the HeartHero device and find out when it becomes available, check out their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

When we travel, one of the things we always struggle with is figuring out what to do. We don't know the area at all, and we don't know people from the area to ask. So, we always end up on one of those "25 things to do in Las Velas for under $25" lists on travel blogs. But, there is a new way to travel, through a platform called SmartGuide.

This travel platform gives the ability to virtually hire local tour guides on-demand. The best part is that it recommends points of interest and local tours that might appeal to your personal interests. It does this based on places that you have been before, other tours you have taken, and other interest data. So, in the city of Las Vegas, one person might get recommendations for the best art galleries, with guided audio tours, while someone else might get a history of the mob in Vegas, also complete with a guided audio tour.

The tours on the app are provided by local experts and tour guides. While it might seem like the guides would be competing against themselves, in reality, it can be a huge benefit. Because of their business model, it is very difficult for a tour guide to scale to more people. At some point, the group size is too large for everyone to get something meaningful form the experience. But, by virtualizing their tour, the guides have the ability to be in two places at once, giving a meaningful experience to more than one person or group at a time, while still providing the quality they always have.

The SmartGuide app is available for iOS and Android, with tours available in many of the biggest travel destinations across the globe. To learn more about the platform, what cities it currently supports, or to apply to be a guide, check out their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

When competing in a crowded market, you must do something to set yourself apart. Right now, one of the more crowded markets in the consumer electronics industry is connected cameras. A new entrant in the market is Toucan Smart Home, who has found a unique way to separate itself from the pack.

The company's most distinct product is its wireless outdoor security camera. The camera offers all of the features you expect from a security camera. It's got a PIR sensor for motion detection, night vision, and a weatherproof body. The video is transmitted in full 1080p, allows for two-way audio, and local recording. However, the camera also offers some capabilities that not all cameras do. It offers 24-hour rolling online backups of the video, pre-recorded audio messages, and siren.

Where the outdoor security camera really sets itself apart is its installation and maintenance. The camera mounts with a single screw through the base into a wall, ceiling, or any other surface. The camera then snaps onto the base using a powerful magnet. In addition to easy installation, the magnetic mount allows for a huge range of motion, so you can adjust it to nearly any angle. Because it is a completely wireless camera, it means it runs on rechargeable batteries. The magnetic mount also allows the camera to be removed when it needs to be charged.

In addition to the security camera is a wireless video doorbell. It offers most of the features of the security camera, except for the magnetic mount. In its place, it adds the wireless doorbell receiver, button, and 180-degree field of view. While it may not have the same magnetic mount as the security camera, it is still incredibly easy to install and maintain.

The wireless security camera is availble for $79.99 and the wireless doorbell is available for $89.99. To learn more about the products, check out the company's website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

For many people around the world, drinking water is a concern. For some, there is no infrastructure to provide water clean enough to drink. For others, the infrastructure isn't maintained or has purposely been let to degrade. No matter the scenario, an improved drinking source can make life better and more convenient. The most efficient way to accomplish this is by using an integrated hydro panel from Zero Mass Water.

The company offers two different solutions. The consumer product is called Rexi and looks just like a standard solar panel, and are installed on top of the house. These panels use the electricity generated by the solar panel on top to produce water directly out of the air. The water is then stored and made available inside the house through its own, unique plumbing. The standard installation runs the water to a separate faucet in the kitchen in one of the accessory slots.

But, producing water isn't the same as producing clean, drinkable water. Normally, drinking water has certain minerals in it, which is what gives it a taste. Admit it - you've got your favorite brand of bottled water. That's because each brand has its own mineral makeup. Rexi is no different, as the system integrates a mineral mix after the water is cleaned. It makes the water taste great, even for people who normally don't enjoy drinking water.

In addition to the Rexi, Zero Mass Water also produces systems for entire communities. They call these large arrays Fields, and can be built in varying sizes. At CES, we saw a small implementation of 10 panels installed in the courtyard in front of the Central Hall and got to taste the water, as well.

For more information about Zero Mass Water's hydro panels, check out the company's website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

At PLUGHITZ Live, we have a lot of opportunities to work with the best and brightest students from around the world. While we might not have hosted FIRST Looks, CES managed to provide yet another opportunity to show off some of the amazing students who were showcasing their innovating solutions to some of the world's problems. These students were invited as winners of The Young Innovators Awards for 2020.

The first student we got to talk with was Alishba Imran, a 16-year-old student from Arizona. Her product is called Honestblocks, and solves an issue that many people are unaware of: counterfeit medication. At least 10 percent of the global medication supply is counterfeit, which can easily lead to massive problems. Archer brought the issue to the attention of many, but the solution isn't as obvious, at least to us. However, by using blockchain, Honestblocks is able to track and maintain an accurate and unalterable supply chain record to protect people's health. You can learn more about the Honestblocks project on the project website.

The second student we spoke with was Stanley Liu, another 16-year-old student. His project centers around improving the process and accuracy of blood tests. His solution is called the Immuno Essense Chip, and it is an integrated device for blood plasma separation and multiplexing immunoassay detection. By improving the process, he is able to improve the turnaround time and the cost of testing. Rather than traditional tests, which can take up to a week, these tests can be run in under 3 minutes and cost less than $2. To learn more about the project, you can check out the project website.

To find out more about The Young Innovators Awards and this year's other award winners, head over to the award program's website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.